Have you ever noticed that when you're fixated on something, like a particular car or brand of shoes, you suddenly see that car or type of shoes everywhere? I'm not talking about Siri or Alexa listening in on our conversations and making sure we see ads for these items. I'm talking about being interested in something and noticing how it shows up in our lives. This phenomenon isn't confined to stuff but to ideas as well. When looking for signs to help us with a decision or a nudge in the right direction, the solution often comes if we pay attention.
Over the years, I've learned to trust that as long as I keep my eyes and ears open, I'll get answers. For example, while researching how to live longer and healthier, I came across two different studies back to back, "The Blue Zones" and "You Are What You Eat." Both are excellent programs to watch and exactly what I was looking for.
I write these articles to contribute a positive message to my readers. I have my doubts that anyone takes notice, and then I'll get a few emails telling me that my story resonated with them. Or, I wonder if I was able to improve someone's communication skills, and I receive a phone call from a client who is thrilled that his presentation garnered praise from his manager. It may not seem like much, but it encourages me to believe I'm on the right track.
Recently, I was feeling afraid of what my future holds. The more I tried to convince myself that I was being silly and not taking my own advice of living in the moment, the more scared I became. All kinds of doom and gloom scenarios popped into my head, so I picked up a magazine and flipped it open. The article was about a young man who had jumped onto a subway line to save a man who fell onto the third rail. Electricity shot through him as he continued to fight to get the man freed. When paramedics arrived, they couldn't believe that both men survived. A reporter tracked down the young man and asked what made him do such a death-defying act to save another person's life. The young man simply said, "Faith over fear."
Faith over fear. Those three words were powerful. I felt a weight lift off me. It was the perfect way to switch my mindset from being needlessly worried to feeling a sense of calm. When we look outside ourselves, we'll find advice and support in unexpected ways. You never know where a great idea may come from. Be open to opportunities even when you think you're not ready. Give the person you're speaking to your full attention. Walk into that room full of strangers, confident you'll make a new connection. Trust that you are where you're supposed to be, and tomorrow, you may find the car of your dreams while wearing fantastic shoes. The Universe is always talking to us. We just have to listen.