A Flick of the Pen

When irony works in your favor

Photo courtesy of the author

Every now and then the universe throws you a bone. When you’re at your lowest and it doesn’t seem like things will ever look up again.

The trick is, you have to tell the universe what you want — which means you need to identify it first. Then put yourself out there in the arena (as Brené Brown says). This means making yourself vulnerable to scrapes and bruises, disappointment, and even heartbreak.

For me, the moments preceding my gift being revealed were spent celebrating two divorces and the end of the academic year with two girlfriends. Over the course of the evening, my friends did their best to convince me that there is someone out there for me — someone who will love me the right way. I insisted, repeatedly, that it wasn’t in the cards for me. I could neither envision it nor fathom how I would come to find such a rare relationship.

Then — the universe decided to prove me wrong. That very night! With a wink, the universe ushered Sam into my life. Sam is handsome, thoughtful, considerate, and an all-around amazing person. I couldn’t have dared hope to meet someone so wonderful. He is interested in my creative pursuits. He brings me Indian food for dinner even though it’s not his favorite cuisine and peanut M&Ms because he remembers that I like them. He has elevated the joy in my life. I’m still reeling in surprise and delight.

The miracle of meeting someone who is a perfect match is so unlikely. For two compatible souls, from opposite ends of the globe, to be searching at the same time and actually cross paths at precisely the right moment….The odds are infinitesimally small.

During what is an especially stressful, challenging period of my life — following my divorce and the loss of my job — my friendship with Sam has given me new hope. Hope for my own future as well as restoring my faith in humanity that not all people are selfish, deceitful, or worse.

Even with the understanding that this relationship may not last forever, it can still serve as the catalyst for a crucial mental shift.

You see, I recently fell off the wagon. After my divorce was finalized, I returned to drinking for a month. I hadn’t touched alcohol in over 20 years. But between the inner resolve I found to get back on track, the support of my inner circle, and the joy of Sam’s companionship, I’m now back to making smart choices. I am relieved to be sober once again.

The positive influence of a good person in your orbit can help you course-correct when necessary. Having arrived in my life at the right moment in time, Sam has helped me immeasurably. He is part of my journey to healing.

I had told the universe what I needed. Miraculously, it delivered exactly that. All I had to do was put myself out there and be ready to receive what the universe had planned for me. I had to take a chance. Grab the opportunity. And act on it.

I will always cherish this experience of the universe proving me wrong. I will bask in gratitude for as long as I have the golden resource of Sam’s time and attention. Even if I eventually lose this resource, I will still continue to benefit from these lived experiences. They are a part of me now.

If you are down on your luck and begging the universe for help, don’t give up hope. Keep communicating your needs, and the universe will deliver. Just be ready to get a little scuffed up in the process.