Opportunity

I haven’t written in awhile. This is for many reasons. The best reason is that my computer broke, and, not to be outdone by a mere laptop, Ben’s computer followed suit. Unfortunately, this is still not a particularly good reason, because we replaced these computers with a sparkly new, dazzlingly beautiful Mac several weeks ago and yet, I have still not written. What I have been doing is: taking sewing classes, volunteering for various wonderful organizations, making new friends, getting up early, working out, spending time with loved ones, creating new recipes, recording songs online, and numerous other soul enriching activities. What I have discovered: Opportunity is not the fickle, random creature it’s often made out to be.

As I child, I heard many aphorisms about opportunity. The message of most of these was that opportunity is constantly presenting itself and it’s our choice whether we pursue it or ignore it. Because I was young, I misinterpreted the message for several years. I spent a lot of time trying to recognize these opportunities for what they were, so that when they came “knocking” I could take advantage. I would patiently sat, quietly listening for when opportunities would stop by, give my life purpose, and send me on my way. After several years of this, I realized that all I’d gained from the experience was the ability to wait and an immense amount of frustration.

I began taking classes, exercising, blogging about gratitude, and volunteering in order to save my emotional health. However, within a matter of weeks, I found that I not only had an improved self image, but I was living a more fulfilling life and what’s more, I found myself bowled over with opportunities! It suddenly occurred to me that opportunity, like love, can rarely present itself to someone who spends their time in their Living Room watching T.V. How can opportunities know you’re here unless you’re out in the world, meeting people, exploring possibilities, learning more about who you are and what’s important to you?

I realize that perhaps this shouldn’t have been so much of a revelations. And yet, I think of the number of people I’ve known who desperately want to find someone to love, but who still spend all their free time at home, alone. We can know something in our logical minds, but that doesn’t mean that we truly understand it or know what to do about it.

Today I was presented with an opportunity to be involved in something I’ve been dreaming about for at least 10 years. I am incredibly grateful. I’m grateful to those who created the opportunity and directed me towards it. Also, I’m grateful that I have become a person who doesn’t wait for a subtle knock at the door, but rather steps up and says “Here I am.”