Today was a spa day. There is something so satisfying about taking a day to pamper yourself. I’m lucky enough to be able to afford a spa like the one at the resort we are staying in but even when I was broke, I still took a day now and then to relax and take care of my body.

This particular spa has a tradition. When you enter, they give you a piece of red ribbon. You tie seven knots in the ribbon to represent all your troubles and worries. Then, after you have undressed and put on a robe, you drop the ribbon into a large brass bowl to signify leaving all your stresses in the care of the Universe. It’s a nice idea. I just wish it was that easy.

Sometimes we become so attached to our worries; it’s difficult to let them go. And sometimes they come at us so fast it’s like playing dodgeball with Life.  It’s not easy to learn to trust our own ability to overcome whatever obstacles are put in our path; or to have faith that it is all part of a Great Design. It takes hard work and practice. There are many paths that lead to that place of centeredness and ease. Each one of us has to find their own way.

For a long time, I was stuck in a huge pothole in my path. I couldn’t see how things would ever get better. But in my heart, I believed I deserved good things; I deserved love; I deserved joy. Everyday I practiced trusting my heart. One by one, those knots in my ribbon have come undone; I’ve climbed out of the hole and found my way towards my home, my center, myself.

I am not there yet. But I’m on the right road. And for that, I’m grateful.