Stopped in my tracks!

Hi there lovely people,

Goodness....It is l most the end of January already.
Have you kept your resolutions... did you make any?

Every year I resolve to make changes of one type or another, but this year ( thanks to an extreme message from the angels) I am determined to. I have been shown that I really do need to listen to:
a) the kind advice of all my friends and family...
b) my own inner/higher knowing... and
c) the meaningful message of the universe/angels.

What am I talking about? Let me explain...

Yesterday was a normal busy day. I planned to deliver my last minute paperwork and talk things through with the kind person who is going to complete my January 31st tax return for me at 10.am.... meet my colleague Richard at 1pm to finalise the arrangements at the gorgeous venue for our new Masterclass Workshop in Stansted.... see a lovely lady for a one-to-one near by at 2.30.... drive down to London, select a new jacket with a returns voucher in a particular shop..... pop in to see my mother at 4pm, and then baby-sit for my son's children where I could meet my daughter for an hour too and later catch up on all my emails once the babies were asleep!

Not all of it fell into place as planned, and that was ok as these things happen. As I hurried down to London for the family commitments the oil light and STOP sign suddenly appeared on my control board. Knowing that to be an acute problem I drove straight to my mother's waited and checked the oil levels which, surprisingly, were fine. It gave me chance to have a nice cup of tea even if I had to forego a mini-shopping trip, and then I slammed down the bonnet, washed my hands and continued round to my son's ... minus the red light and with no need of oil.

Then....last night as I drove home late from baby-sitting my grandchildren, a weird accident happened. The bonnet of my little car flew open and smashed with a great 'bang' against the windscreen. Although the screen didn't smash I couldn't see a thing in front of me and had to pull over onto the hard shoulder and call the RAC to come out and help me as I couldn't force the bonnet back down myself.
(Lesson 1.... we cannot do everything ourselves and it's essential to have a support system lined up for those occasions where help is needed, even though sometimes it is hard to ask).

The loudness of the bang shocked me, and I panicked, slamming on my brakes, jolting my back. Although I wasn't hurt I observed that I got upset at the realisation that I might have caused an accident if anyone had been behind me.
(Lesson 2... it is perfectly normal to get upset sometimes and even to panic when things beyond our control shock us. This is not a sign of failure or weakness.)

As soon as I had called the rescue service out, the Highway Police arrived and told me that these cars are renowned for having a faulty bonnet catch...., he also kindly pointed out that I had pulled in by the side of one of their CCTV cameras, so that I was perfectly safe as I was on screen at their central office. I didn't feel at all vulnerable or unsafe but that was reassuring anyway.
(Lesson 3... trust that in all situations angels are 'watching over us' and even if we ever doubt it everything is for a reason.)

When the helpful RAC driver arrived and fixed the bonnet down with plastic ties, he reliably informed me that if I drove slowly (no faster than 40mph) I would manage the fifty miles and make it home safely.
(Lesson 4.... with self discipline it is possible to drive slowly and mindfully, and that it is better to be slower and safe than fast and stressed........even for speedy old rush around me.)

As I contemplated the reason for this (other than the faulty bonnet catch) I was intrigued by the drama and loudness of the message. This really did stop me in my tracks, and I was unable to see the way. it was almost like a slap in the face.
Where had I been and what was I doing trying to cram all this into one day? .... even though I should have taken the day for resting as I was incredibly tired having spent several long days doing all my end of year accounts and paperwork at the last minute.

Fascinatingly just as I was approaching home a third sign popped up ...... when my oil light and red STOP appeared again for the second time on the control board.

For months now, no probably years, those close to me have suggested I should slow down and take a little more time out, to stop 'driving' myself so hard. Often I don't even notice how hard I am working or how many hours I have put in to a project because I love my work... well most of it.

This time, rather than through the words of friends which are perhaps falling on deaf ears, I do believe that the angels had become a little exasperated and created a more obvious message for me to see and hear for myself.

We know God works in mysterious ways.... how can we serve others to the best of our ability, or shine our light to it's full potential if we become worn out and dimmed down by self imposed pressure....( however good the reasons may be). Ah, I am so good at making this point in my talks and workshops. Kindness and caring for others may become second nature, but taking enough care of oneself and 'Learning to love oneself' can be more difficult .... perhaps here in my middle years it is now time to really stop, look and listen.

So that's my aim for 2011. To conserve my energies a little more and try to slow down the rushing about in serving others. To take time to listen to my higher guidance, and follow it (perhaps a teacher teaches what the teacher needs to hear), and to see where and how I can manage my time more effectively so that I really can drive a little slower!
After all 11 is the number of mastery. Lets see if I can master this! Anyone out there like to join me?

It might be the end of January, but it is only the beginning of the rest of life!

Hope your year has started well for you, and I wish you everything you wish for yourself for 2011.

Lots of love and angel blessings,

Chrissie