by Jeane Watier
“It’s been here for a couple of months. The girl at the ticket desk said they sell out almost every night. Wait till you see this, and you’ll know why.”
It was a documentary, but Jenna had never been more captivated by a movie before. Every word seemed to strike a chord somewhere within her. The movie answered so many questions, but it seemed to bring up just as many more. She knew she wanted to see it again. She hoped that Geoff would be open to seeing it, too.
“Wow,” Gail said simply when the movie ended.
“Yeah, I know. “Wasn’t it amazing? There’s so much to take in. I got even more this time, than I did the first time.”
“I love how scientific it is,” Gail commented. “And yet it’s so practical and easy to understand.”
“It’s all stuff that I’ve been learning,” Rachael added, “but this just seems to validate it even more. So many know about it and teach it. People all over the world are learning and applying it. It’s exciting.”
When they reached the car, Gail offered, “Do you want to go for a drink somewhere?” She looked at Rachael and winked. “How about Trophies?”
Rachael smiled, “You don’t have to twist my arm. What about you, Jenna?”
Jenna wanted to join them, but she felt the pull of responsibility. I should go home and say goodnight to the kids. Brenton will be asleep, but Chelsea will probably be waiting up for me. I should do a load of laundry, and I need to fill out the forms for Chelsea’s field trip tomorrow. She smiled, shaking her head, “I can think of so many reasons why I should go straight home, but more than anything, I’d love to continue talking about that movie.”
“Oh, oh,” Gail warned jokingly. “Don’t get Rachael started about ‘shoulds.’ ”
Jenna was curious, so she ignored Gail’s comment. “What about shoulds?”
“Well, I take them as a red flag,” Rachael informed her. “Whenever I hear myself say the word should, I try to examine the reason behind it. It usually means there’s an old tape playing, and if I let my feelings guide me, the should is not the thing I’d prefer to be doing. So I let it go.”
“Wait a minute. You mean...you never do something if you feel like you should do it?” Jenna was having difficulty understanding. She’d been doing things to please others all her life. In truth, her whole life had been ruled by shoulds.
“I can’t say that I never do it; I just use this as a general rule. If it feels like I should do something, I pay attention to the emotion that’s attached to it. Then I ask myself why I’m feeling obligated to do the thing rather than feeling inspired.”
As they walked into Trophies, Jenna noticed Rachael look toward the bar. The bartender looked their way and smiled. They found a table and ordered drinks. Jenna decided on a glass of red wine. She tried to relax, but her mind was still wrestling with the ideas that they’d talked about in the car. She couldn’t seem to grasp what Rachael meant. Gail must have noticed the look on Jenna’s face because she asked sympathetically, “Still having a hard time with it?”
“Sorry, but I can’t seem to get my mind around this. If I stopped doing everything I felt I should do, I’d probably just end up staying in bed all day,” Jenna laughed.
“I know what you mean,” Gail replied. “But I think if you could do that—stop everything and then moment by moment let your feelings guide you to do only what feels good, you’d probably end up doing many of the same things you’re doing now. It would just be for different reasons.”
“That’s right,” Rachael added. “It’s not what we’re doing that’s the issue here. We’re physical beings, and it’s natural to fill our time with physical activities. It’s how we choose to think about those activities that really matters.”
“So, again, I just need to think about the activity in a way that feels better.” Jenna’s eyes lit up. It was beginning to make sense.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Rachael smiled.
Jenna noticed the bartender coming over with their drinks. She saw Rachael’s face light up as he approached. He handed them each their drinks and then smiled, “So? How did you enjoy the movie?” He gave Rachael a quick kiss.
Rachael introduced Brian to Jenna. After a few minutes of chitchat, he returned to tend the bar.
“Wow,” was all Jenna could say.
“Yeah,” Gail nodded. “He has that effect on people—women, I should say.”
Rachael was beaming. Jenna knew they’d only been seeing each other for a short while, but she could tell by the look on Rachael’s face that it was already serious. After a few minutes of talking about Rachael’s new relationship, they got back to the subject of the movie they had just seen.
“I like what the guy said about driving in the dark,” Gail said. “You can only see as far as the headlights shine, but you can drive all the way across the country seeing just two hundred feet in front of you.”17
“So does that mean we don’t need to make plans or set goals?” Jenna asked, suddenly confused again.
“We’re actually making plans just by having desires,” Rachael explained. “Your desire to be an interior decorator is now a plan set in motion, and if you don’t get in the way, the Universe will work out all the details.”
“That’s the problem, though,” Gail inserted. “We get in the way. But it would help not to look too far ahead like the guy said. Just feel good now and trust that the Universe is taking care of the rest.”
“So looking too far ahead…” Jenna felt a burst of excitement as she received more clarity. “It’s the same as asking when and how.”
“Exactly,” Rachael smiled. “Relax. Take one day at a time. Enjoy the moment. That’s the best way to live your life.”
Jenna knew that she wanted to apply Rachael’s advice. She had so much to appreciate now. Her days were full of anticipation, rather than gloom and hopelessness. And when she thought of her most recent desire, she knew what her work was. It was easy to imagine what it would be like. She loved working with fabrics and colors and styles, creating looks for people. It was easy to feel good about it if she didn’t think about the details of when or how it would come about.
Out of nothing, and no way, a way will be made.18—words that Jenna had heard in the movie had affected her, and now they echoed in her head. She felt comforted by them. The Universe was in control. She’d proved it for herself, and she knew she could trust the Law of Attraction to work out the details.
~
Geoff put down the phone and sat staring at the wall across from his desk. He couldn’t believe the conversation he’d just had. Yet as much as it seemed surreal, at the same time it felt perfectly natural, like the next logical step.
He hadn’t received many calls about his bike—just a few people asking questions and a couple of low offers. The man that just called had seen Geoff’s ad on-line. He ran a website specifically dedicated to selling Indian motorcycles. He’d asked in-depth questions about the work Geoff had done: How many original miles? Did it have matching numbers on the engine and the frame? Where did he get it, and did he know the ownership history? How long had it taken to rebuild? Had he used authentic parts, or were they after market?
He wanted Geoff to email a photo, and he said he’d have to verify a few more things, but he suspected the bike might be worth considerably more than Geoff was currently asking.
Geoff shook his head, laughing to himself. Extraordinary things were beginning to happen in his life lately. Circumstances were working out better than he could have imagined. The guy could have bought my bike for the price I was asking and then sold it for a profit, but he didn’t, and now if what he said is true, I could be looking at a lot of money.
He couldn’t wait to tell Jenna. Picking up the phone, he started to enter her number at work and then stopped. He wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t doubt, really; he had a good feeling about it, but he decided to wait and verify everything. It would be more fun to surprise Jenna, maybe even show her the check from the sale of t
he bike.
Chapter 27
Rachael sat back on her sofa, pulled a blanket around her and breathed a contented sigh. As she reflected on events of recent weeks, joy radiated through her entire being. The reality she was creating for herself was so rich and satisfying. She’d been dating Brian for several weeks now. They were learning new things about each other all the time. The relationship was still new and exciting, but at the same time, they’d settled into a comfortable routine of spending weekends together and talking on the phone most evenings during the week.
They’d been out with Gail and Rob several times already, and the guys really hit it off. They had a lot in common. They were both into sports and liked to talk about their cars. Rob was a sales representative for a company that sold restaurant equipment. It was a company that Brian was familiar with. The decision to go on the cruise as couples was unanimous. Rachael called and made all the arrangements. It was easy to imagine the fantastic time they’d all have together. She couldn’t wait.
She glanced over at her newly refinished table. Brian had worked with his dad a couple of Saturday afternoons and had completely refinished the top. They’d done a superb job. She couldn’t even tell where the scratches had been. It was nice getting to know his family. She’d seen them several times now. She and Brian had been at their place on the weekend for a turkey dinner. Both his sisters were there, as well as his older sister’s family. Everyone had made her feel welcome, and there was so much laughter and fun.
It caused Rachael to contemplate her own family situation. She’d never experienced that kind of closeness with them. She was willing to trust that it could happen, but she didn’t know what it would take. There were so many bad memories, so many years spent trying to deny that anything was wrong.
Suddenly Rachael realized that her emotions had changed. Meeting Brian’s family and seeing how close and happy they were, had emphasized the lack in her own, and now focusing on that lack didn’t feel good. She let herself stay with those thoughts for a few moments, aware that a rocket of desire was being born. Rachael knew that she couldn’t fix her family; they weren’t broken. No action on her part would bring about her desire. Her work now was to focus on her family in a way that felt better.
Her immediate reaction was to reach for her journal, but before she entered her thoughts, she took a minute to acknowledge the presence of her loving Inner Being. Everything else forgotten, she let the feelings of love and comfort flow over her as she basked in the moment. Soothed, she picked up her pen and began to write.
She wasn’t aware of how long she’d been writing when the phone rang. It was Brian. She smiled at the sound of his voice. “It just slowed down a bit. It’s been really crazy in here tonight.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“It’s the time of year. It always picks up before Christmas. People start getting in the festive spirit.”
“It’s my favorite time of year, too. I can’t believe Christmas is less than a month away.”
“December can get kind of crazy. I always hire extra help,” Brian remarked. “I have several people to interview tomorrow. Speaking of Christmas,” he added, “I have invites to at least a dozen parties in the next few weeks—some business, some personal. What’s your schedule like?”
“I have my work party next weekend, and I was going to mention—Gail’s throwing a big party this year. It’s on the weekend before Christmas. We’re both invited. I hope you can come.”
“I’d love to,” Brian replied. “And I was really hoping to show you off at some of mine as well. We won’t be able to make all of them, but there are a few I don’t want to miss. Let’s look at a calendar and start planning.”
“I’m going to need some new outfits,” Rachael exclaimed. “Gail will be thrilled.”
“It’s getting busy in here again,” Brian stated. “I need to get back to work. See you Friday?”
“Yeah, I can’t wait.”
“Me too,” Brian agreed. “Rachael,” he added softly, “I love you.”
~
“Barb wants to have everybody at her place for Christmas this year,” Geoff announced as the family sat down for dinner.
“Is your mom okay with that?” Jenna asked, surprised. “She loves having us all there.”
“I know, but I think it’s getting to be a bit much for her. She’s close to seventy, you know.”
“Wow,” Brenton declared. “She’s old!”
“Grandma’s not old,” Chelsea looked to her mother for support. “Is she, Mom?”
“No,” Jenna sided with her daughter. “She’s always been healthy and active, and she looks great. It just surprises me that she’s not having Christmas at their place.” Jenna didn’t mind the idea of going to Barb’s for Christmas, but it would mean that she’d be obliged to host Christmas dinner the following year. She wasn’t sure why that bothered her; she’d had the whole family over before. It’s just that Christmas was such a big deal in Geoff’s family, and she felt a little intimidated by them. Things had to be done a certain way, traditions kept.
She didn’t like the way her thoughts were heading; they didn’t feel good. She decided to take some time later that evening and journal about it. Her journal had become her friend and confidant, and she looked forward to time alone with her thoughts now.
“It’s between the two of them,” Geoff shrugged. “I don’t care where we spend Christmas. I’m just glad we’re spending it together.” He sent a smile to Jenna that warmed her heart. Geoff had been a different man lately. Their relationship was better than it had ever been. She shared all that she was learning about the Law of Attraction, and they’d gone to see the movie together. Geoff seemed to get it easily. He didn’t have as much resistance to overcome. He could focus on his dreams and liked the idea of being able to create his own reality.
Very little had changed in their financial situation. Geoff didn’t talk much about it, except to inform her that he’d had a couple of low offers on his bike. It was probably the wrong time of year to sell a motorcycle. He seemed positive, however, and they were getting by with the bonds they’d sold.
The kids finished their dinner and asked to be excused. As Jenna started to clear the table, Geoff got up and took the plates from her hand. “I’ll help you with the dishes later,” he offered. “Let’s go sit in the living room. I made some coffee earlier. It’s still hot.” It was a treat to sit and visit after dinner. Geoff used to be the first to leave the table, if he was even home for dinner, but now their meals were very enjoyable.
Geoff turned on the fireplace, and they sat together on the sofa. “This is going to be a great Christmas.”
“It is,” Jenna agreed. “So much has changed, and I love what we’ve been learning. I love knowing I get to choose how I feel, that my feelings don’t depend on what’s going on around me anymore—that was such a powerless place to be.”
Geoff put his arm around her. “I’m glad you found your power.”
“You’ve been so supportive.” Jenna sipped her coffee. “I appreciate that. I’m so glad we’re learning this together.”
“Me too, babe.” Geoff kissed her hair. “By the way, I told Jim about the movie we saw. He couldn’t believe it. He said he and Debra saw it weeks ago.”
“Really? The same movie?”
“Yes! I’m really beginning to see how this Law of Attraction stuff works. It’s powerful, and you know, I can’t help but sense there’s something big unfolding—something really exciting.”
“You mean with your business?”
“I don’t know for sure. Nothing’s changed, except the way we’re thinking about it. Jim’s still in contact with Jenkins, but he hasn’t changed his mind. Even so, I’m hopeful.”
“Is Jim throwing a Christmas party this year?”
“He is. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about going. It’s next Saturday.”
“I think I would like to go,” Jenna nodded. She knew that she’d judged Jim in the pas
t, but she was ready to give him another chance. She was ready to see the good in him.
Chapter 28
Rachael stood with Gail and Jenna. They raised their glasses and toasted their friendship. “This has been the best year ever,” she declared. “You both mean so much to me. Thanks for your friendship.”
“To friendship,” Jenna smiled in agreement. “I still can’t believe all that’s happened to me. It’s like I stepped into someone else’s life.”
“And you’ve just had a mere glimpse of what can be,” Gail pointed out. “I think even more exciting things are ahead for you.”
“For all of us,” Jenna added.
Their company didn’t put on a fancy Christmas party; there were too many employees. But each division had an office party. Some stayed after work, and some went home first to change into more formal attire. The former were already showing the effects of having had too much to drink.
Rachael had gone home to change into one of the three new dresses she’d bought for the many parties that she’d be attending. The one she had chosen for the office party was the least formal. It was a simple black dress, but it showed off her figure, and she felt elegant—especially with the beautiful necklace that Brian had surprised her with.
One of their division bosses stood up to make an announcement. Gifts and awards were being handed out, and Rachael was thrilled to hear Jenna’s name being called. She’d been with the company for ten years and was being acknowledged. When she returned, Jenna was holding a plaque and an envelope. She was beaming.
“Congratulations!” Rachael gave her a hug.
“It’s nice to be appreciated,” Jenna replied as she opened the envelope. “Wow!” Her eyes were wide with disbelief. “I never expected this.” She showed them a certificate for common shares in the company and a bonus check for two thousand dollars. There were tears in her eyes as she looked at Rachael.
“The Universe takes care of the details nicely,” Rachael smiled.
