Monday Musing 4.1.19

*Readers Note: #Life #Work #MarchMadness #Travel #OrangeTheoryObsession has kept me from my Monday Musings and a bit of social media for a few weeks… it’s been amazing to say the least… and now I am back… Here’s a musing to kick off your week!

p.s. Hey Spartan Nation… how ’bout #ourteamtho

#AllGreenEverything #Errrythaaang #FinalFour

I found myself situated in the back of an Uber in one of my favorite cities. The events that brought me here were nothing short of incredible. Some of it a little luck- but most of it, a lot of it, prayer. Some answered prayers and if we are being honest, some not-so-answered ones. I watched from the back of the car as Chicago and its people passed by. There was a lot on my brain and what I was about to embark on was something I had never experienced. My nerves started to get the best of me and I slowly became a mix of excitement and fear that made me fidget. I could feel myself getting annoyed at my fidgeting. It’s my tell-tale sign of nervousness, which then makes me annoyed at myself for being nervous, which makes me fidget more. It becomes a vicious cycle in my brain that makes me sweat a little.

You’re super welcome for that galavant through my psyche. Cheers.

Sitting in the back of an Uber and trapped in my thoughts, I let out a long and labored sigh. My uber driver peeked up at me in the rearview mirror and our eyes met. It was perhaps the first time I had actually looked at this man since I sat in his car. He smiled at me with one of those smiles that though I couldn’t see his mouth, I could see in his eyes he was beaming from ear to ear. He had a joy that radiated off him.

Uber Driver: You having a terrible day, Girl?

Me: No, no, not at all! It’s a good day!

pause.

Me: I am fine.

Another pause as I sift through my thoughts. I could see him glance up at me in the mirror again.

Me: Thank you for asking.

I offer him a half-smile. I think he could probably tell I was trying super hard to project an air of confidence that I 700% didn’t possess in that moment. It may have been the annoying higher than high pitch in my voice.

Uber Driver: Ok girl.

I could tell by his tone he was smirking.

Uber Driver: You know what, Girl? I never have a bad day.

Full disclosure: in my head I rolled my eyes at him. Being polite though, I smiled a fake smile that definitely didn’t reach my eyes like his did.

Me: Oh really?! What’s your secret?

Uber Driver: I wake up!

I wasn’t expecting this and I laughed – which also came out with a snort. It’s cool, I am sometimes awkward. Whatever. 

Me: Well that’s an amazing way to look at life.

Uber Driver: Yes girl. I just wake up.

I felt myself slowly become amused with my newest Chicagoan friend.

Me: When I am having a bad day can I call you for a pep talk?

What he said next caught me by surprise and hit a place deep in my heart.

Uber Driver: Just look in the mirror, Girl. You don’t need anyone else.

Like clockwork, our eyes met again in the rearview mirror and I could see him smiling back at me. In that moment, I knew in the gut of my soul I had everything I needed to be successful. As my Uber rolled to a stop, I thanked him for his wisdom that also happened to be divine timing. I stepped out of the Uber and walked to the building that held life’s newest adventure. I paused on the sidewalk as Chicagoans sped past me. I took a breath that filled my lungs and I followed the windows of the building all the way up until they kissed the sky. My fidgets had faded and in their place, steadfast resolve for the next step.

Sweet friends, I can’t help but wonder if this sweet Uber driver’s wisdom resonates in a place within you? A place that every once in a while needs to be shaken up so you remember who you are. There is a pink sticky that hangs at my desk that says “so now that I was in this glamorous scene, I meant to make the most of its opportunities.” I don’t know who said it, and I don’t know where I found it, but it hits me hard in moments like this. One day we open our eyes and here we are in these divine moments on ordinary days. It’s these small moments, tiny conversations that change everything. Do something today to change your life. Have a conversation, make a choice, create an outcome. Let steadfast resolve sink into your bones and make the most of this day.

See you back here next week, same time, same place,