Whats In the Way...

Unique Perspectives: Whats In the Way...

By Kim Stevens

I absolutely loved it when I heard this!

I was at a spiritual retreat led by an incredibly hip nun. We were sitting in a church when she said it, and… like what usually happens for me, something lit up inside. I got that ping of excitement. That’s how I know when I’ve heard a Truth or something I need to pay attention to. The rest of the talk could sound like Charlie Brown's teacher going on about Arbor Day... but when my soul wants me to notice something, it comes through loud and clear.

Side note—but connected: I once read that God will “cause me to notice,” and I lovedthat. It really takes the pressure off having to go out and find the right thing. Whether it’s a sign or a message or a calling... I don’t have to chase it down. If I’m meant to see it, I will.

I was asked by my videographer how I find the books I read, and I told him: I don’t find them. They find me. That’s actually how much of my life works. I rarely go looking for things. They just show up, exactly when they’re meant to.

Anyway, back to What’s in the Way IS the Way…

I loved it because it was true for me. It matched my experience.

I’ve spoken about this idea in lots of different ways—like the miracle is baked into the problem, or collateral beauty, or there are no obligations, only opportunities, or even your spirit will kill you trying to be free. Pick the one you like, or come up with your own, but the essence is this:

That thing we think is in the way of us having what we really want?  It’s actually the thing that helps us get it.

Because once we move through it, dissolve it, or understand it—we get the very thing we were seeking all along. Crazy, right? Our souls are ALWAYS working FOR us… even when it doesn't look that way, at first. I have a little poster in my home workshop that says “Your soul is Rooting For You”

It’s really about making friends with whatever’s in front of us… and trusting that it’s here to help.

The best example (but there are many) I can give from my own life is when I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. To most people, that’s not good news. But for me? It saved my life.

I’ve told you before about my own Hero’s Journey, and how I finally answered The Call. Well… cancer was a big part of that Call. It was my invitation into a whole new life. At first, I thought it would be the thing that kept me from the life I dreamed of. But oh, contraire! It became the vehicle to take me straight to it.

How, you ask?

Well, I used to be one of those caretaking types, you know the kind. Always doing for others. Always last on the list. My motives were good… but it just wasn’t working for me.

And the thing is, I didn’t even realize I was doing that. I had no clue how to get out of it… until cancer showed up. Thank God. It gave me the ultimate permission slip to finally take care of myself.

I had no choice. If I didn’t, I would die.

So in addition to all the doctors and surgeries and treatments, I started seeing a nutritionist and working with a personal trainer who specialized in breast cancer survivors (who ended up becoming a dear friend). I joined a cancer wellness program. I started doing yoga, getting Reiki, and booking regular massages. I stopped watching the news and started seeking out things that inspired me—movies, books, people, places.

And slowly but surely… I got better. And so did life.

The thing I thought was in the way of the life I dreamed of? It turned out to be one of the things that helped me actually get that life.

Who knew?

Well… my soul did. And so did that spritely little nun who uttered the words:

What’s in the way IS the way.

So what’s in YOUR way, that might just be the key that opens the door to a life beyond your wildest dreams?