The Parking Fine and The Wisdom
Inner Wisdom Wednesday - The Parking Fine and The Wisdom.
As one of life’s reflectors, ‘ponderers’ and perusers. I am committing to share more wisdom that comes my way. Usually in the form of something rather marvellous from Her Indoors.
Her Indoors is the name that I give (was given by H.I.) to my intuition, inner wisdom, thoughts and ponderings. The inner guidance, the internal sat nav system, the ‘do this not that’. The do this and then do that. You get the jist?
Her Indoors feels like the voice in my head that is my cheerleader and voice of reason, although the insight doesn’t always feel right at the time. Taking action on and following the guidance has always come good.
Taking Full Responsibility.
Today’s wisdom is through getting a parking fine.
Whattttttt? What are you going to tell me is positive about receiving a parking fine?
We popped to our local library to return some very overdue books. The most convenient car park is attached to a local coffee and fast food place. I believe that you’re supposed to enter car reg details when frequenting either of these establishments when using their conveniently placed tarmac.
Driving into the parking space the commentary in my noggin was something like this:
“I don’t reckon we’re meant to park here for the library. Maybe I’ll get a coffee. I don’t like their coffee. I’ll get a cake. I don’t want a cake. Olive would like a cake. Think of her teeth and we’ll be having tea when we get back. Their cake is really expensive. Love their brownies though.
"Oh well, here now. We’ll be quick”.
We went into the library, we weren’t quick as there was a crafting table.
Library books returned, new books chosen. Crafts completed, we headed back to the car.
The above commentary circulated once again through my noggin resulting in, I don’t want a coffee or cake. Let’s risk it.
A few days later the fine arrived through the letterbox.
I automatically jumped into defence mode and did not want to pay.
“We did go into the coffee shop, I paid cash, you can’t trace me. I forgot to enter car reg details. Blah de blah, blah”.
Included in the letter were screen shots of the video, showing that we ‘left the premises’. There was also a link to view more of the photos. It was quite entertaining seeing our every move captured, time stamped and very clear that we were not abiding to their parking terms and conditions.
I found myself laughing at myself.
“Okay, guilty as charged officer. I can’t be faffing with a made up story. I’ll pay the fine”.
In that moment a sense of lightness and full acceptance of responsibility that came with it.
I was surprised how quick, easy and effective it was to simply take full responsibility for my actions that day.
So here’s the wisdom that came with the parking fine.
Taking full responsibility for every thought, feeling word and action is totally liberating.
Owning our thoughts, feelings, words and actions feels amazing.
We are not responsible for what anyone else thinks, feels, says or does.
We are responsible for how we respond or react to any incoming words or actions.
It’s only tarmac.
Oh and literally as the fine was paid, the exact same amount came in the form of a Gift Voucher order.
#youcantmakethisstuffup #nosuchthingasacoincidence #alwayssupported
What Next?
Consider areas of your life where you are taking full responsibility, how does that feel?
Think about the areas where you recognise that you may not be taking full responsibility. Is this something you’d like to change?
Spend a day, becoming aware of all the thoughts, feelings, words and actions that you are choosing. Yes a new journal or note pad is very much encouraged ;)
This is not a to do list, but may prompt some perusal:
How much actual time on social media?
How much actual water into the body?
How much actual movement of the aforementioned body?
How much actual sleep?
How much actual nutrition?
How much actual time on things you cannot control?
How much actual time worrying about something you cannot change?
How much actual time feeling anxious about something that has not happened?
(These are all regular ponders of mine which I am happy to share with you).
If you’d love to be supported further with moving towards owning your emotions, words and actions, reach out. I’d love to support you. The easiest way to do this is for us to have a natter. Maybe you’d love to share your findings and need guidance on how change could look and feel.
There are 5 complimentary sessions left before the Christmas break.
Book here for either in person and online https://www.lynnbutler.me/taster
Until next time, Lynn :)
