With Me, Without Me

There is a saying made popular from the movie Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. In the movie, the character played by Tom Cruise motions with his hand held high to Cameron Diaz’ character and says, “With me,” then lowers his hand and says “without me.” With me, without me.

This phrase pretty much summarizes my growing reliance on communicating with the Universe through an array of signs, wonders, and synchronicities. Most often, I am secure in my decision making abilities. I have a reliable method I follow. However, there are rare exceptions when I can’t make up my mind. Either my feelings are clouded by fear or by someone else’s feelings, or I have to make an important decision within a limited period of time.

When I look back on my life, there have been several instances, defining moments, when I received very clear signs from the Universe in which I did not heed, much to my detriment. Through experience, what I have seen is this: The Universe will speak to us in a clear, repetitive, and understandable manner through signs, wonders, and synchronicities.

I am reminded of one such story where I received an external sign from none other than Mother Nature’s wild kingdom.

My husband and I have coveted a particular make and model RV for several years now. So much so, that whenever we spot an owner driving one of these vehicles, we eagerly approach the owner to ask them a barrage of questions, only to end up imploring them to adopt us. I’ll wash, my husband will dry. Together we’ll travel the U.S.!

So, on one hot summer afternoon, the two of us were driving the backroads after having spent a leisurely day at the beach. As we approached a nearby town, on the outskirts was an auto dealership. Sitting in the car lot was the RV of our dreams! The excitement and anticipation between us was palpable.

We turned into the sales lot and found a salesman to ask if the vehicle was for sale. To which the salesman responded, “Yes” and showed us the RV.

“Do you want to take it for a ride?” he asked.

After a quick glance at each other, we responded, “Yes.” However, we were afraid once inside, we may never return. After exchanging our driver’s licenses, my husband turned on the ignition and . . . oh how it drove, so smoothly. The seats alone were as comfortable as anything I had ever sat on. Like the most comfortable marshmallow seats you could imagine. Cush on the tush. We were having so much fun test driving this vehicle. How long have we been gone?

As much as I wanted to say, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” to purchasing the RV, something was holding me back. Something didn’t feel quite right. The RV was in good condition, though there were a few concerns. The asking price was fair, but I kept sensing a feeling of uncertainty, and I couldn’t put my finger on it to be specific. It was a gut feeling.

Just then, an employee walking the sales lot said aloud to our salesman, “I just shooed away a copperhead. He’s in the hills now. He was right up there in the parking lot.” Game over. That’s all the information I needed to know. Something didn’t feel right to me, and his timely comment solidified my feelings.

I don’t know about you, but if I were to encounter a copperhead snake, my first reaction would be to RUN and not look back. I’m not saying this vehicle was a lemon. It just wasn’t meant for us and deep down inside I knew it. I also don’t wish to offend those who love snakes. Animals, reptiles, and insects mean different things to different people. I haven’t quite yet evolved in my consciousness to where I can stand before a venomous creature without great fear, trepidation, and oh, good heavens! Nature stepped in to guide my decision.

Afterward, I breathed a sigh of relief, which is always a sign indicating I made the right decision. I am thankful to my friend the copperhead for showing me the way on this particular day. When the timing is right, my husband and I will be guided to the RV of our dreams. We can hardly wait.