by Jeane Watier
“I believe there’s no limit to how good things can be,” Rachael responded. “We live in an expanding universe. If everyone focused on the good they wanted, they’d have it, and life would be amazing. The Law of Attraction would orchestrate things perfectly.”
“How are you two doing? Can I get you another drink?” the bartender asked.
“No, just our bill, thanks.” They both had plans for the evening, and it was almost time to leave.
The bartender hesitated for a moment, as though he was about to say something, then he simply smiled and handed them their bill. “Okay, have a great evening. We’ll see you again.”
They finished their drinks, paid their bill, and got ready to leave. “I’m not sure I agree with what you said before; it’s too idealistic,” Gail argued as they walked out of the bar. “Not everyone gets what they want. Most people don’t even come close to living the life they dream of.”
“They get what they focus on—whether they want it or not,” Rachael countered. “It’s all about vibration. The Universe isn’t partial to some people and not others.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Gail shrugged. “Still, it doesn’t seem fair. Some of us receive this information and can apply it so easily. Others live their whole lives never even knowing a better way exists. That doesn’t seem like a very level playing field.”
“Don’t feel guilty.” Rachael had struggled a long time with the issue. It had been a tough one for her to accept. She cared so much about helping people, and in the past, she so easily felt their pain. But she had clarity on it now, and she tried to explain it to Gail. “People will always find the truth if they're looking for it. But you can’t help someone get where they want to be by feeling sad for them. You could lower your vibration to match theirs, but then all you’d have is two miserable people. You can’t vibrate for them; it’s an inside job. On the other hand, if you maintain your vibration and lead by example, people will see your joy and your abundance, and they’ll desire what you have. It’s the best you can do. It’s perfect, really.”
“You always think things are perfect,” Gail smiled and put her arm through Rachael’s as they walked down the street. “That’s what I love about you. And speaking of perfect,” Gail added. “That cute bartender…I caught him looking at you a couple of times.”
“That’s his job. He was just checking to see whether we’d finished our drinks,” Rachael laughed and pulled her arm free. “You’re impossible! Here’s my stop. I’ll see you later.”
“Have a great weekend,” Gail waved as she continued on her way.
Rachael waved back to her friend and shook her head at Gail’s relentless attempts to find her a man. She had to admit that the bartender was good looking. There was a definite attraction on her part, but she was sure that was all it was—just a physical attraction. Therefore, she refused to give Gail anything that might encourage her in her matchmaking attempts.
Chapter 9
The next few days blended into one another. Jenna tried to remember and apply the things that Rachael had taught her. She tried to feel the beam of light that she’d experienced in her office. She even sat down with a piece of paper one evening and tried to write what she was angry with Geoff about, but nothing would come.
Anger toward herself, on the other hand, came easily, and she felt powerless to stop it. She was beginning to think it would be less painful to go with the flow than to stir things up. It seemed easier just to think the thoughts she’d been thinking, than to try sorting out all the new ideas Rachael had introduced her to.
The whole thing had left her feeling extremely tired. Geoff had been gone most of the weekend, and when he was home, he was either on the computer or on the phone. Jenna didn’t even have the strength to get angry. She simply went through the motions—cleaning house, making meals, driving the kids to their activities. The idea of being on medication was beginning to appeal to her. She wondered what it would be like to feel nothing—to be free of the sadness that had become her constant companion.
~
Friday evening, Rachael went over to her sister’s to baby-sit. Her older sister, Dayna, was married and had two adorable little girls. The oldest was three, and the baby was eight months. Being with them made Rachael realize how much she wanted kids of her own one day. Looking into their innocent eyes, she could see the purity, the connection to Source. She loved to tell them how fantastic they were and assure them they could have anything they wanted in life. The girls adored Rachael, too. The baby would gaze up into her eyes as Rachael told her how perfect she was. Rachael was sure the little one understood; sure that she knew she was God, newly arrived in human form, ready to live life and have new experiences.
Dayna would listen to her for a few minutes at a time, then shake her head and walk away with a comment like, “I don’t know where you get this stuff.” Rachael had tried talking to her sister about the teaching that had changed her life, but Dayna’s response had been negative, so now other than her conversations with the children, Rachael kept her views to herself when she was at her sister’s place.
It was liberating to know that people, especially her family, weren’t broken—and that they weren’t necessarily living a less satisfying life just because they didn’t know all the wonderful things that she knew. She could now love them as they were and let them experience life in their own way. It gave her an exhilarating sense of freedom.
At work the following week, Rachael could see that Jenna was feeling down again. She offered to get together and talk, but Jenna just shook her head, saying she needed time to think things over. Rachael felt herself slip a bit emotionally and had to remind herself that Jenna wasn’t broken, either—that she would find her way and that she didn’t even need Rachael to guide her. It took a bit of work, but Rachael had practiced it so much and was determined that nothing was more important than feeling good, so she soon found her way back to joy.
Gail invited her to go shopping after work one day. Rachael was learning a lot from Gail about timeless fashion and current styles. Gail loved quality and was always impeccably dressed. Rachael, on the other hand, had always been more comfortable in blue jeans. Even her work clothes were as casual as she could get away with. But little by little, Rachael had purchased some nice things and was learning to be more comfortable in dressy clothes. Gail teased her to no end about her style, or lack of it, but it was all in fun.
The evening was enjoyable as usual. They had a great time shopping, and Gail even talked Rachael into buying an evening dress. “There’ll be formal dinners on the cruise; you’ll need an appropriate dress. It can’t hurt to try it on. Besides, it’s on sale.” Gail could always appeal to her frugal side if all else failed. Rachael tried it on and was amazed at how elegant she felt. It fit her perfectly, and she loved the deep red color with maroon and gold metallic threads woven throughout. The halter style had an open back. The V-neck plunged, but wasn’t too revealing. It was chic and sophisticated, and Rachael absolutely loved it.
For the rest of the week, Rachael gave Jenna the space she needed. She kept a journal in which she’d written Jenna’s positive aspects. There were so many, it wasn’t hard to fill a page. She wanted to focus on what was right with her, not what was wrong. She thought about how strong Jenna was, how far she had already come and how the contrast she was experiencing was helping her to see clearly what she really wanted. As a result, Rachael found herself feeling excited about what lay ahead for Jenna.
On Friday, as Gail and Rachael walked into Trophies, Rachael couldn’t resist looking toward the bar. The good-looking bartender was there again. He looked up when they walked in and beamed that unforgettable smile their way. Rachael felt her pulse quicken and questioned why he had that effect on her. She saw attractive men all the time. She didn’t mind looking and even joked around with Gail about them, but she’d never seen a smile that made her feel that way before. Trying to put it out of her mind, she joined Gail at their favorite table.
; “Are you going to try another exotic drink?”
“Not this time,” Rachael replied. “It was cool walking over; I’d love a latte to warm up.”
“Actually, I’m a little chilled, too,” Gail agreed and then turned to the girl waiting to take their order. “I’ll have coffee and...bring me a low fat muffin.”
Rachael ordered her usual latte and decided to join Gail in her choice of food. The pub had an impressive selection of muffins, pastries and squares. Rachael settled on a bran muffin.
“I hope you didn’t do that for my sake,” Gail said when the server left. “I’m okay where I’m at. I’m starting to feel a lot better about myself. It feels good to eat healthy food.”
“I ordered a bran muffin here once before,” Rachael informed her. “It was huge, really moist, and full of raisins. I’ve been meaning to have one ever since.”
Gail smiled and shook her head. “You’re not a very convincing liar, but you have so many other great qualities, I think I’ll keep you around.”
Rachael laughed. She had been telling the truth, but she must have over dramatized it a bit. Lately she had such a zest for life, everything looked better, smelled better, and even tasted better.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better about yourself.” She turned the conversation back to her friend. “You have so much to feel good about. You’re talented, you have a vibrant personality, and you’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” Gail replied. “It’s quite something how our focus works, isn’t it? I hear you say those words now, and I can agree with them. But when I was focused on how overweight I was, I would have thought you were just saying that to make me feel better. I wouldn’t have believed you. I still want to be slim and feel sexy, but now I’ve been able to look in the mirror and compliment myself just the way I am. I was talking to Rob about it, and he insisted I’m still as sexy as I ever was. He said he’s proud of the way I look.”
Their food and drinks arrived, and the two sat enjoying the silence for a few moments. “It’s really all about perspective,” Rachael continued. “Others look at you and see a beautiful, well dressed woman. Those who know you would add smart, sophisticated, friendly, loyal—just to name a few. You can choose to see yourself that way or you can focus on the one or two things that aren’t the way you’d like.”
“And either way, it determines how I feel.”
“Yes!” Rachael agreed, excited that her friend understood. “And how we feel is everything. Believe me; I know that all too well.”
“I can’t imagine what you were like when you were depressed,” Gail furrowed her brow. “I’ve only known the happy Rachael.”
“I intend to keep it that way,” Rachael asserted as she took another bite of her muffin. It was as delicious as she’d remembered. Gail seemed to be enjoying hers, too.
They were sitting by the window, and as Rachael glanced out, she noticed a bird perched on the branch of a nearby tree. It looked like a blue jay, but without the crest. He was deep blue with a brilliant silvery grey on his belly that lightened into pure white on his throat. It gleamed in the light when he moved. His throat was streaked with delicate dark lines that resembled a necklace. He was magnificent.
“This power of focus.” Her friend’s voice brought Rachael back to their conversation. “Is there really no limit to what I can do with it?”
“There’s no limit,” Rachael answered firmly. She had yet to see any limit in her own life or in the lives of people she’d talked to. “You can be or do or have anything you want.” Rachael could almost see the wheels turning in Gail’s mind. Like a kid with a new toy, she wanted to know what all it could do. “So what do you want?”
“The possibilities are endless!” Gail’s eyes widened. “Not even just things, but improved situations, relationships, perfect health, a long life. I just have to imagine them the way that I want, and I can have all that.”
The way she said it proved she was no longer just questioning, but was really starting to believe it. Rachael knew that Gail would be a powerful creator and that the deliberate process had just begun. It was exciting to watch.
Gail’s cell phone rang, and she made a face as she listened. When the call ended, she groaned. “That was Rob. I’m going to have to go. His mom just came over, all upset. She had a fight with her fiancé and is thinking about calling off the wedding.”
“Maybe it’s better now than later.”
“They broke up once before. It’s probably not a big deal. She gets overdramatic. I’d rather not get involved,” Gail sighed. “Rob’s mom depends on him too much, and I get the feeling she doesn’t like me. I’ve tried to talk to her, but when she’s over, she always talks to Rob as though I’m not even there.”
“Is there anything you do like about her?”
“Why?” Gail frowned.
“The Law of Attraction,” Rachael explained. “Focus on her positive aspects, even if you can only think of one or two at first. Try to think of those things whenever she comes to mind, and soon that’s the part of her you’ll begin to see more and more of. If you’re focused on her in a loving way, you can’t attract her negative qualities.”
“Really?” Gail looked skeptical. “I can change her personality just by the power of my focus?”
“You aren’t really changing her. You’re just choosing the parts of her that you’re attracting into your experience, and if she can’t line up with what you begin to expect of her, you’ll just start to see less of her, that’s all.”
“I like the sound of that,” Gail joked.
“I know this works,” Rachael insisted. “I’ve been using it with my family, and there was that girl at work—Stacey. She thought she was in line for the job I got, and she was really quite nasty to me for the first few weeks I was there.”
“I didn’t know that. You never said anything about that,” Gail accused.
“I don’t like to focus on what’s not working.”
“Right. I know that. Sorry,” Gail apologized. “But how did it work out? Is she nice to you now?”
“Yeah, she is. We’re not close or anything, but at least she smiles at me when I walk by now.”
“And all you did was think positive thoughts about her?” Gail asked, still looking skeptical.
“Basically. It took a bit of work, though. I keep a Book of Positive Aspects5 in my purse. I write down positive things about the people in my life. That way, if I think of them and a negative thought comes up, I can look at the list and focus on their good qualities instead.”
“Am I in your book?”
“I have several pages dedicated to you,” Rachael smiled. “But I never have to look at them. It’s easy to feel good when I think about you.”
“What would I do without you?” Gail gave Rachael a hug. “I’m going to try this with Rob’s mom. I’ve got nothing to lose.”
“It will work.”
“Are you ready to leave?” Gail put some money on the table.
“No, I think I’ll stay a bit longer.” She watched Gail walk out and then turned to look out the window. The leaves were dancing along the sidewalk again. They reminded her of colorful marionettes attached to invisible strings. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, thoroughly enjoying the serene moment. She’d learned to love her own company. She was at peace with herself and enjoyed time alone, even in public.
As she opened her eyes, she noticed the bartender looking at her. He came out from behind the bar and started walking toward her. He was smiling, and her heart did that funny little skip.
“I see your friend left. Can I get you another latte?”
“No, thanks,” Rachael replied politely. “I’m not finished this one.”
He hesitated. “I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but do you mind if I join you?”
Rachael noticed several questions trying to get her attention all at once. What is he doing? Why is he here? Is he hitting on me? What if he is hitting on me? Do I mind? She took a deep
breath and asked herself a deliberate question. How does this feel? Her answer came in audible words. “Not at all, please sit down.”
“My name’s Brian.” He reached across the low table, and she shook his hand.
“Hi. I’m Rachael.”
“I couldn’t help overhear you and your friend talking at the bar last week. I mean...I don’t try to listen in on peoples’ conversations, but I couldn’t help overhear you use the term Law of Attraction.”
“Are you familiar with it?” Rachael felt a rush of excitement.
“Well, yes and no,” he answered. “A friend of mine is. He saw a movie—some sort of documentary on the subject.6 He keeps insisting that I see it. I’ve been busy, but I’d like to.”
“I don’t know of a movie about it,” Rachael said. “But I’ve been studying it for a couple of years now. I first came across the term on the internet.” She gave him a brief account of her search for well-being that had led to her understanding of the subject. “Now I’ve just been living it and…” she shrugged, “talking about it to anyone who’ll listen.”
“Well, I’d be willing to listen,” Brian smiled. “I’ve been listening to my friend talk about it, but you’re much easier to look at than he is.”
Rachael felt a blush heat up her face. She was quite sure that her heart was beating irregularly, and her palms felt sweaty. My God, why do I feel like a teenager out on my first date? She laughed to ease the tension. “I’d be happy to talk to you about it, but I’m not keeping you from your job, am I?”
He glanced toward the bar. The pub had been busy when they arrived, but now only a few other tables were occupied, and a couple sat at the bar. “Tracy can handle it; it’s slow right now.”
Rachael assumed Tracy was the girl who’d served them. She wondered, too, if he’d get into trouble for just sitting around when he was supposed to be working, but she let those thoughts go. “So what do you want to know? What has your friend told you?”
