*Welcome Unexpected Gifts from the Universe by Building Trust

I teach people to visualize positive outcomes and consciously create the life they desire. However, I believe we need to give the universe a creative license in how our goodness arrives. Many robust surprises that provide us with greater rewards than we thought possible are often unexpected. We must build trust in the universe, even when we don’t see our gifts readily, and know spirit pervades every molecule of our being, leading us to people or circumstances that enrich our learning.

Over 25 years ago, I remember sitting on a city bus heading toward an insurance conference in East Lansing, Michigan, a consequence of a year-long job search. In the early 1980’s the prospects were dismal for post-college liberal arts majors. Discouraged after pounding the pavement for so long, I took a position at a Chicago insurance company in a rating and coding department. My first job consisted of entering codes by hand onto policies. My effort was judged by hourly productivity. It was a tedious and uninspiring assembly line. After several months, my supervisor asked me to attend a conference to get a property and casualty license. I must have hit the record on the quantity of policies I processed!

Sitting on the bus heading toward the first group session, I reflected. Where was the dream job I trusted the universe to provide? I was in an industry that held no excitement for me. I gradually compromised my academic vision only to choose career out of necessity, not choice. I felt creatively stifled and angry. I'd been visualizing change for so long, wanting to be appreciated, and recognized in the world. Sighing, at last I resigned. I placed my trust in spirit. I decided to quit fighting it and just go with the flow with a positive attitude. So, I thanked God for what I had, asked for improvement soon, and just surrendered to the process.

Suddenly, I noticed a man quickly vacating his seat for an elderly woman who was struggling up the steps with her cane. Who does that anymore, I wondered? As she sat down, I looked closely at this beautiful soul. By managing on her own, she seemed proud to be able to do things for herself. Her independent spirit was uncompromised, as she took the last seat closest to the door. Courage had arrived to keep her moving forward, in an unexpected but timely way.

Then I understood the entire reason I had been pried from my original plan and placed on a path to an insurance license in a strange city. If it weren't for my unemployment, and readiness to take a job leading me to this very place, I would not have witnessed this anonymous gesture of everyday love we often take for granted. It softened my heart. And I would not have introduced myself to this man who wound up being my husband for 24 years. He inspired me to open my heart and cultivate my voice. My dream job turned out to be a self-development path, leading me to empower others. I would not have built an organization, wrote books, met with people all over America and taught them to think positive. I’ve built a great life and continue to enjoy going to work.

All this came from taking a dead-end job, taking a bus ride, and just paying attention.

When searching for our desires, there's always learning and love to be found in our struggle as long as we are consciously aware. Noticing the signs in life leads us to higher ground. It's not about expecting someone to provide our opportunity and happiness. It's about developing trust and knowing good things are in store for us in every corner of our lives as long as we believe in ourselves and what we can do.

When times are challenging, remember to trust the universe. God is in you, around you, and works through you. In The Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes said that trusting the invisible will make us happy. There is a power in the universe, and it is a conclusion of the deepest thinkers of every age. This spiritual universe must be one of pure intelligence and perfect life, dominated by love, reason, and the power to create. This power also honors us by tuning into our own consciousness and shows us higher possibilities.

Remember, you will always be presented with a creative way to stay on the path of wonderment. Make sure you notice people… they are vehicles for inspiration when you least expect it! Good (God) travels though people, and not necessarily a winning lottery ticket or a new career. When we learn to trust the universe, we will be happy, prosperous, and well. There’s never been a cosmic failure. No matter our emotional storm, there is always something hidden that will eventually sing.

© The Goddess Network, Inc. and Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D. 2007. All Rights Reserved. See http://www.thegoddessnetwork.com/connect.php?page=eshow for more empowering thoughts! Register for The E-Show, a series of enlightening lectures!