I was raised a good Catholic girl. I admit I may not have followed the rules of the Church but I don’t stray too far when it comes to the rules of Life and interacting with people. The Golden Rule of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me is foremost in my mind. I have been accused of being “too honest” and “too loyal.” (When did those fall out of fashion?)
When four of us entered the Moulin Rouge in Paris last week, we were asked at the door if we had cameras. Two of us did, only one of us admitted to it (guess who). We didn’t have intentions of taking photos as we knew it wasn’t allowed, but we had our cameras in our purses the whole week (what tourist doesn’t in Paris?)! Being the too-honest girl, I of course nodded my head “yes” and was asked to hand over my new digital camera in exchange for a coat check tag. The others muttered comments like “good luck getting that back.” My husband shook his head in that you’re-too-honest-for-your-own-good sort of way that he’s done before. Part of me did have some hesitation as I removed my digital card before handing it over. No scrapbooker worth her photo-safe adhesive would be separated from her photos… a camera is replaceable, but photos of a dream vacation are not. How else would I prove to you I was at the REAL Eiffel Tower? It was a non-issue as I collected my camera easily at the end of the show.
To the defense of the others, I understand their skepticism as just 10 minutes later the guys were handing over 50 euros to the waiter in order that we could have a better table. Considering we arrived quite early and there were many open seats, I guess I was naive to think my polite request of the maitre’d would get us a better view. After all, he explained, the rules of the house would not allow a group of 4 to sit at the (better location) tables for 6 people.
My request being dismissed, the guys made the traditional offer to the waiter to ”make it worth his while” which was apparently familiar to him because he was quick to ask us to show him the money. It seemed the house rules could be broken for a price as we were promptly seated center stage to enjoy the show. (I noticed later that various groups of 2 and 4 were sat together at the tables for six.) Many would say this is simply how the world works. I prefer to see this as an exception rather than the rule.
Examining my conditioning to follow rules, I’m reminded that if we follow them blindly opportunities are missed. A perfect metaphor of this came to me last summer in Lake Tahoe when I was attending a self-discovery retreat. My new friend said that she wanted to walk to the end of the pier. The pier had a big gate with chains, a padlock and a sign that said Authorized Personnel Only. ”We can’t,” this obedient girl said, “it’s all locked up.” “Just go give it a push and see,” her new friend replied. Of course, it opened easily with a slight push. I had her take a photo as a reminder to include in my spiritual scrapbook – obstacles sometimes look bigger than they really are, it’s our fear that holds us back.
Just another example of the Universe opening doors to match our desires. Our job is to be willing to take a leap of faith and awaken to opportunities in disguise.
CHALLENGE FOR YOU TO OPEN YOUR HEART: When was the last time you did something completely spontaneous and out-of-character? If it’s been awhile, then it’s time to… sing karaoke in public, run through a sprinkler on a hot day (fully dressed), be seen in public without makeup, bare your soul in a blog… you write the script, you make the rules of your life. Wear the colour orange – that’s a good one for infusing some colour energy into your spontaneity! And take a photo… we need these reminders on occasion.
QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK: “Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
Scrapbooks for the Soul
