24/365 - Listening

I don't think it's a coincidence when a particular message makes its way into my life repeatedly over a short period of time. My ears usually perk up after a second hearing, but when it comes around a third time, I know I'm supposed to listen. For example, three different people recently told me not to sell myself short. Those were the exact words, each and every time: "Emily, don't sell yourself short." Even if I am a mere 5' 3," I best be listening to that one.

When I posted the intimacy quote from Richard Bach last week, I hadn't actually read any of his books. Now, thanks to the generosity of a kind soul, I've finished two of his books and am halfway through a third, and I wonder how I've gotten through life so far without all the gems he has peppered throughout his work. One that struck me the most was from his well-known and enlightening book, Illusions: "You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however."

I only needed to hear it a second time - or in this case see it - to know that it's a sentiment I should take to heart. Here is the essence of the same quote again, where I saw it written in chalk on a restaurant wall the very same day I read it in Bach's The Bridge Across Forever: "We will receive not what we idly wish for, but what we justly earn. Our rewards will be in exact proportion to our service."

Because the "don't sell yourself short" message came to me in such close proximity to the one about earning what we wish for, I can't help but interpret them as being linked somehow. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what that might mean for me, but I have a feeling it has something to do with relationships. Well, maybe one in particular.

I also have a feeling that continuing to listen is a critical part of the wishing and working.