Day of Hope #3
Wednesday March 13, 2013
Goal: Prepare to be shocked
Quote: “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it, but that it is too low, and we reach it.” - Michelangelo
This day of hope was a bit shocking for me. As I mentioned in the breakdown blog, I do a vision board each year to prepare me for the coming year and focus on getting what I want. One of the items on my vision board to accomplish this year was to buy a house. Now mind you, I had no idea how that was going to happen. I had been a single mom for so many years, and my credit and self-esteem were low, and financing such a big purchase seemed impossible. But that did not stop me. I learned from the movie The Secret, that when in doubt, the key is to visualize, and feel like it was already yours. So, I did just that.
A few months earlier I spent a whole day making a wish list for the house. I wrote up each room I wanted, and I went room by room and visualized and listed everything, even down to what I wanted to put in each room for decorations. I used Pinterest and Google for decorating ideas. I went to Home Depot to look at paint, so I would be ready when the day came.
I also had a specific geographical area in mind. I found a real estate agent, took them the list of what I wanted for the house and the parameters of the area I wanted to be in. I said, “Don’t show me anything outside this area, or anything that does not fit exactly what I want.” My dream house was now in the hands of the universe. I figured it would take a while, especially since I had limited my options so narrowly. I assumed it would be at least eight months or more. I was testing the universe and I should have known better. One thing led to another, and I put in an offer on my new house with everything I wanted on March 13th. Only three months after putting it on a vision board. Crazy I tell ya. The offer was accepted, and it became mine in April. After putting in the offer that morning my friend Frankie, who loves to shop, went shopping with me for new appliances. We stopped for lunch at her house and her husband made me homemade soup to celebrate.
When I got home that night, I was so happy and shocked at the same time. This was really happening, and all because I took the time to create the wish list and let the universe handle it. My dream of owning a home was coming true. I also believe the de-stressing that I did for my day of hope in the January breakup, really opened me up to receive the gift from the universe. Just try it. What do you have to lose?
My lesson of hope: Dream big, visualize what you want, act like you already have it, let it go and the universe will make it happen.
Bonus Event
I also need to add here about my first movie by myself this month. It will explain why I like to go to the movies often on my days of hope. It did not happen on the 13th like I planned. The universe gave me a house instead. But it did occur in March and really helped me overcome my fear of doing things alone.
You might be afraid to do things on your own or by yourself. I know I felt this way at first. I told myself, “I don’t want to do things by myself, it is just too scary. I would rather stay home.” I felt so alone. I had lots of friends, but waiting for them to be available, or a partner to do things with, was holding me back. It can be a fun way, in fact, to conquer your fears and get yourself out there. I had to realize that you are never alone, you always have three people with you: me, myself, and I. You are stuck with yourself forever. You should make friends with me, myself, and I sooner rather than later.
Start small, that’s what I did. I remember the very first time I went to a movie by myself, and it ended up being great. I was a little nervous at first when I got there and was all alone. This was a big step as, prior to this day, I always took someone with me. If everyone was busy, I just didn’t go. I believed at the time, right or wrong, that you shouldn’t go alone. I stepped inside the theater, I took a deep breath, and went to the counter and got my ticket. I got a soda and popcorn, took my seat, and relaxed. I felt like a little kid at Christmas time. I was happy and excited, and a huge grin on my face. I was filled with joy. No one to randomly talk to me, no kid to have to take to the bathroom, no one I felt obligated to share my popcorn with and no compromising what movie I wanted to see. I can see whatever movie I want. Mind blowing stuff I tell ya.
I saw the movie, The Croods, which was released in 2013. The message I received from the film was to stop hiding in the dark and start living in the light. No more hiding in caves. For me, it was time to live life. This was exactly what I needed to hear, and it also confirmed that I was on the right path. I was proud of myself for taking a small step towards my goals.
A few weeks later, I told my niece about my proud accomplishment, and she said, “Oh that’s so sad to go see a movie by yourself!” And I said, “What?” I feel it’s a sign of someone strong, someone who’s not afraid to do the things that bring them joy. Even if you go by yourself.
It was a defining moment and proof that I don’t have to have anyone else to do things with. I can do things that bring me joy by myself and get a lot out of it. To this day, one of my favorite things to do is see a movie by myself. If I see a movie that opens, and it looks good, I go see it. I go with others sometimes, but I will always remember the day I stepped out of my comfort zone and went out on my own.
That day was the first step in laying a foundation of what else I could tackle on my own. I learned that if you do enough small things to build up your confidence, you will start to tackle big things and not be afraid or feel alone and accomplish whatever you desire. That is what I did. I haven’t looked back in that rear view mirror of being alone and feeling stuck. Being alone, being able to do things by yourself, and being ok with that, is a gift. Embrace it and don’t let it hinder you.
Later, I bought The Croods movie on DVD. It’s one of my granddaughter’s favorite movies. I look forward to when she is old enough, and I can tell her the story behind the movie and why I like it so much. I suppose she will read about it in my book now. The Croods 2: A New Age was released while I was writing my book in 2020. I wanted to be there to see it by myself with popcorn in hand, oozing joy. I had to take a detour in those plans. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie theaters were shut down. I bought it on demand and watched it with my family on Christmas Eve. It was a bit of a detour, but it was a great day to be able to share it with them and share my story of why it was special. They all loved it, of course. Whether it’s small or big, if something brings you joy, don’t wait for someone to go with you. “Go do it!”
My lesson of hope: Don’t let life pass you by because you are alone. Go do what you want when you want. I realized that no matter how broken you think you are, you’re still worthy of an amazing life.
