Florida was not on my list last summer of places I
wanted to go. In fact, if I had a list of places I did NOT want to go, Florida
would have been high on it. There were people and situations there I just
didn’t care to see or deal with again. So why in the world would a trip to Mexico, from which I expected to be traveling to
Belize, Panama, Costa Rica and beyond take me back to Florida?? I will not, in
this lifetime, know all the reasons things happen. However, I came up with 15
clear reasons for this Florida stay during one of my moving meditations aka cardio sessions. I saw
beautiful encounters and ways I was able to be of assistance that I couldn’t
have possibly anticipated. Personally, I was the recipient of some powerful
gifts as well. But one of my most potent reasons for returning was unfinished
business….that I didn’t even realize was unfinished business.
The most fantastic examples of wrapping up loose ends
takes place, no surprise, on my beach. I have a super strong ability that can
be a gift or a curse. It is my sense of association. Songs, places, phrases, and other circumstances can trigger me into remembering past situations. Obviously many
people do that. However, for me, it is like physically reliving these happenings.
Depending on the experience, it can be exquisitely delightful….or extremely
unpleasant. The latter was the case with regard to a certain tree on the beach
which I associated with something deeply disturbing. No, the tree didn’t do
anything unkind to me, it was just something I related to the situation.
Generally,
I’d run north on Casey Key for miles. As I ran, I’d focus more on my workout
enjoying the air and the night wondrously transitioning into day.
At my turnaround
point of the day, I’d stop and face the ever-changing sea communing with it as well as all the magnificent
creatures above and below. Then I’d enjoy my walk back noticing more of my enchanting
surroundings often picking up sea treasures that caught my eye. Intentionally,
I’d stop my run short of “the tree” as I didn’t want to think of certain
experiences. Finally, weeks later, I managed to run to the tree.
Sitting under
it, I allowed the tears to fall freely and whatever feelings that bubbled up to be
acknowledged. The tree became....The Healing Tree. Over the months, I’d run to the
tree experiencing varying levels of healing and release. On my final day at my
beloved beach, a totally unanticipated breakthrough magically unfolded. As on
numerous previous occasions, I was running to The Healing Tree. About a quarter
mile shy of the tree I came to an abrupt stop. This was actually not that
unusual either as the reason for the interruption was a stranded crab that
needed a little assistance getting back to the water. Gently I assisted him/her
as I had thousands of various critters before. Since I was pretty close to
the tree and kinda lost my momentum, I was about to walk the rest of the way.
Instantly something inexplicably propelled me to run to the tree. It was as if I
were suddenly possessed by a strange power. I fairly flew effortlessly. Incredulously, at the same time, a song started playing in my head that I closely related to
that time I’d rather forget. On top of it all, I noticed a great big smile
spread across my face. There were no traces of sadness, regret, tears. I
realized the grand towering friend of mine was no longer The Healing Tree. It
was The Healed Tree! How freeing it felt! That situation no longer has any
charge for me. It was also a humbling reminder of how much I don’t know that I still don’t
know. I thought I was “past all that stuff from the past” yet there were still
deep layers to deal with. Profound gratitude, release, and clarity swirled
around and within me as I realized this huge purpose for returning to Florida.
Now on a lighter topic ~ As I do frequently, here’s a shout out to all the
Angels who
have assisted me in any way along my incredible journey. Starbucks
is a company of which I have mixed feelings. While not keen on all their
practices, they have provided me for many years….an office of sorts all over
the world. It has been a meeting place hundreds of times. I can sit comfortably
getting computer stuff done thanks to their free wi-fi and charge my various electronics. Many Angels have
facilitated countless Café Mochas (extra whip) via gift cards.
Generally the
baristas are friendly but often they are just too busy to connect much. The
weeks I frequented a Starbucks in West Palm Beach back in 2013, the crew was the best at getting to know me even vying to take care of me.
Although they will always have a special place in my heart, I have to say a Team in Sarasota,
Target of all places, one upped them. These gals knew my weird ordering quirks
and could anticipate which of my varied drinks I’d want in advance. Sometimes
they’d already have my drink ready before I even got to the register. They had
an uncanny way of making everyone feel they were uniquely special. Michaela,
Kellsy, and Brittany were the best! I know there are a couple more outstanding
ladies but they weren’t there as often and my name recall has something to be
desired. Thanks and keep shining my Starbucks Sirens. You are amazing!
My journey has taken a few more interesting turns so
stay tuned for the next update. Your presence is felt and appreciated wherever
I in the world I am. Likewise, I send you infinite love and support in all your endeavors!
