Advice from Romantic Movies and Fortune Cookies

I'm a sap for a good romantic movie. Maybe that's why I enjoyed "Letters to Juliet" recently. Women who had their hearts broken are encouraged to visit the courtyard of Juliet's house (yes "the" Juliet of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet") in Verona, Italy and leave a letter, asking for her advice on what to do. Every day Juliet's secretaries (lovely ladies from various backgrounds and all different relationships) write back to the heartbroken with words of encouragement.

Don't you wish you had secretaries just dedicated to you - people you could ask for advice from and they'd know exactly what to do? Of course, we are fortunate to have wonderful friends. But there is something spiritual and fascinating about leaving a note in a courtyard and receiving a response from an experienced wise soul who doesn't know you. It makes the reply all the more mystical and powerful.

It is almost like cracking open a fortune cookie after a delicious Chinese meal and getting a terrific fortune. We believe these just HAVE to come true. I carry good fortunes in my purse, post them in my cubicle, etc.! And I know many of you have done that, too!

If you'd like to receive an encouraging message for the days ahead, please consider joining me for a discussion on "Faith" at the Peabody Institute, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers on Wed., Oct. 13th from 7pm-8:30pm. We'll talk about how fate intervenes in life, finding your meaning, and the power of spirituality. Don't worry - we'll share some good laughs - as always! Please come and bring a friend! RSVPs appreciated to donnadavislmhc@verizon.net.

Got Faith? See What Fate Has in Store for You!

Ever play solitaire? Lately, I've developed this silly habit of playing it on my computer as my way to try to test fate. I always play the first game I'm dealt, likening it to the fact that in life, we don't always have a choice -- we have to try to tackle whatever comes our way. I try my hardest to win the first game, but it isn't always so easy. Sometimes fate has other plans. If I lose, I select "Deal Again" and keep clicking on "Deal Again" until I see a mix of cards that I think will give me a better chance of winning, trying to play a part in my fate with knowledge that I've gained from past attempts.

In the game of life, sometimes we are at the helm of our destiny and other times we feel lost over so many situations that we can't control. This is where fate lends a hand. The universe may have other plans for us. We may not like them and we may make a lot of fuss, but most times, in the end, we grow and learn, and find ourselves on a better path. We just have to have faith to see it through.

Others have shared stories about a break-up that ultimately was the best thing for them or a job loss that led them to a new opportunity. It was far from easy at the time, and they fought hard to change it, but after accepting it slowly, they recognized it may have been for a reason. Similarly, in tough situations, some realize what they have compared to others, and view their lives differently, accepting the flaws in their partner or their own limitations, for example. Ever have someone share their troubles with you and you actually feel better about your own life in return? This is faith reminding you to hold on.

Having faith gets us through the dark times. Accepting our fate can be very liberating and actually create new possibilities for us. This doesn't mean to sit back and give up. Rather, allow the universe to open doors and then take a chance and enter them. Ask for help from a higher power along the way. Sometimes you are in a holding pattern and that is ok. Rest but keep your eyes open for those new pathways. It also may mean to go back to an old pathway with a different attitude. We are never too old to grow and learn.

I love talking about faith, fate, destiny, and hope. It is so fascinating - and we can learn so much. This is why I have developed "Soul-Soothers," ideas to embrace, enlighten, and empower. This Fall, let's consider the lessons of Faith, Hope, and Charity. I hope you and yours will consider joining me for a discussion on "Faith" in Danvers on Wed., Oct. 13th at 7pm; "Hope" in Middleton on Mon., Nov. 15th at 6:30pm, where we will also make a Wish List thanks to Mums Art Studio of Tewksbury; and "Charity" at Cradles to Crayons in Quincy on Sun., Dec. 12th at 10am, where we will create care packages for kids in need. Check out "Upcoming Events" on my website for more details. All of these events are FREE and open to the public.

Hope to see you at one or all of the Soul-Soothers! Take some time out for you - you deserve it! And you never know who you might meet or where fate might lead...!