we are the ones we’ve been waiting for
by breah parker

What the world needs now is love, sweet peace and love. Who could argue with that? We look around us and see the very foundation of our society, the family as we know it, struggling to stay afloat in an economy of a government that doesn’t seem to support the basic needs of ordinary folk…us.

Who are we? We are the ones “they” advertise to…the people who want to grow up (as fast as possible), do something fun (like go to Disney World), fall in love (like in the movies), have babies, puppies, kitties, grandchildren who run in a white-picket-fenced yard, land (acres!) in the mountains, a house by the sea (Malibu Barbie), a fun car to drive (preferably a Lexus), a DVD (face it, your VCR is on its way out), cool clothes (from just the right store), the hottest new toy for the season (is it still Lord of the Rings?), the right friends (who have the right parties), the right toilet bowl cleaner (that has a genie standing on the tank), and on and on.

We want what they want us to want and we know it (and so we wait for the ones who will fix this). But who are they? Yep, you guessed it. They are us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for to change the world we live in to a peaceful and loving place.

You think that it is impossible so why even try? When we are living in places that keep us stuck in that thought and we realize it, it is time to get up and dust off the old tap shoes and start dancing. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

This summer I gracefully (and not so gracefully) turned 50. It surprises me every time I think about it. I’m 50. Then why do I feel like I did when I was 27? When I look in the mirror or see a photo I am constantly surprised to see an older woman in the reflection. I’m blessed with good genetics and a childlike spirit and I delight in people’s surprise at my age. “Yes, uh-huh…my son is 30 and lives in Hawaii…” I laugh at myself when I think about those times I said that on a day when I really needed a little boost…which is just about everyday. Who doesn’t need a little boost once a day?

I remember when I felt guilty about creating some “me” time…I think it was last week. These days my awareness is becoming wider and wider as to what is possible in this world. In order to take advantage of all there is to enjoy in this life, it is important to be aware that this life is a gift, the body we inhabit is a gift. Taking care of that body is first and foremost our priority. After that, we have the strength, courage and wisdom to take care of others. Strength builds upon strength.

For the last 5 years, along with most everyone else I have known in Asheville, I have been knocking down and then rebuilding my life, over and over again, big ways and small ways. In the process I have put a lot of energy on me…teachers of many sorts have been my co-builders, who ultimately come in the form of friends. At the highest level, everyone is our teacher and so, at the highest level, everyone is our friend. That’s hard to understand when someone you love is being cruel or insensitive, or is sick or even dying. But taking a look from the outside of the situation, though it takes some work, is well worth it and an opportunity to learn.

Everything happens for a reason. I used to hear that and wonder what that meant and now I think I know. When looking at anything, there are at least two ways to look at it…from a positive angle or a negative one. That’s not to say there is not room for grieving and expressing feelings, in fact that is important. Let the feeling that is attached come up into full daylight and take a good look at it from a noticer’s point of view. Purposefully find the dark and the light. Take a breath in the moment of fear, anger, or grief. Ask for help from whatever form of higher guidance you believe in. Once that is done, your job as you know it is over. No more controlling the outcome. It is now time for trust.

Trust that there is a higher power that has our best interests at heart. What are our best interests? I believe we have come here for a specific purpose in this time of global crazies, so best interests would be whatever supports that purpose. Your job could be as simple as the person who walks to her mailbox everyday and smiles at the neighbors walking by, or as humongous as someone like the Dalai Lama.

Reaching the age of someone who is going to be a grandmother within the year (I’m still getting used to the thought), I have had to take a hard look at just who or what it is I am waiting for to acknowledge my particular work. With a decision to step fully into my life, I let go of just what it would look like and literally gave it over to a higher power than my own. I was polite but firm. “Show me what you want me to do…NOW!” I threw away all the balled up tissues and watched for the answers to come.

The answers started coming immediately. A friend asked if I had ever considered writing a “dear Abby” column. I hadn’t. The question made me think and watch for more answers. They kept coming and now I am into a new and shining passion, coaching young souls as they move into the next phase of their life, reminding them of who they are and showing them their individual value. I’ve also started writing that “dear Abby”column through my website called “Ask Lorelie” (verbalremedies.com).

The answers come from letting go and paying attention. As long as we are holding onto something, it can’t come to us. It is stuck on hold and nobody and nothing likes to be put on hold for very long. While we are holding on to something, several things being sent as gifts can go right on past without our noticing. Draw a circle on the ground and label it “my life”. Step into the circle with joy and conviction that you have finally arrived. Begin to notice the amazing things that surround you, big and small. The wait is over because you are the one you’ve been waiting for all along.