For many years, my constant question was, “Am I doing this RIGHT?”
I did not grow up with a mentor or teacher that I could count on. I did not have anyone trustworthy to consult with about things that felt confusing to me. Sometimes, I feared being judged and so I was afraid to ask for help or support. Most of the time, there wasn’t anyone available. I did the best I could and lived with the invisible but painful sense of uncertainty.
Something interesting happened to me this week. I’m learning to speak Italian. The first sentence that flowed smoothly out of my lips was, “If you take the right road, Rome is not far away.” The first time I woke up with Italian words in my head, I heard the phrase that means, “you cannot make a mistake.”
I like to practice speaking Italian in my car. I was saying, “If you take the right road, Rome is not far away.” Then, with unbelievable delight (for both the meaning and my ability to say it in Italian) I said, “…and the beautiful thing is, All Roads lead to Rome.” Then, with sheer joy, I giggled as I said, “This means that you cannot make a mistake!!!!”
I felt as though my ancestors (who lived in Abruzzo, just east of Rome) were talking right (through me) to me. To make this experience even more meaningful, something else happened right after, while shopping at Costco. Of all places!
After gathering an enormous jar of organic coconut oil and a large box of almond milk, I found myself drawn to a ring at the jewelry counter.
The ring looks like several small ribbons wrapped to form a band … something I never imagined finding at Costco but I have been seeking for some time. I decided to buy it.
The way it works with jewelry at Costco is that you get a slip of paper with the item skew printed on it. After you pay at the register, a runner brings you the item.
The ring was delivered to me in a small black cardboard jewelry box. I opened it to find the ring on a soft pillow of cotton, accompanied by a card that said ROMA (Italian for Rome) in big cursive letters.
I smiled and marveled at how magic can happen anywhere. I was struck with the sweetness of synchronicity, right there, in front of the artless hot dog and smoothie vender window at Costco.
I love the way my learning comes and the way lessons are presented to me. I didn’t get steady parents or consistent identifiable mentors as many people report having, but I have learned many ways to listen. I listen to the wind, I listen to the trees, I listen to the water, I listen to my dreams, and I listen to synchronicity.
I’m now sure that I wasn’t “cheated” as I’ve often felt. I was given teachers, lessons, and guidance that are presented to me in unique, creative, and often unexpected ways.
“All roads lead to Rome” means that there are many different ways to reach the same outcome or destination. My way may seem bizarre or strange to some, but it has become quite magical and delightful to me.
