Here's what I learned at the Tucson Gem Show today...

I’ve been wanting to tell you a story but, for one reason or another, simply haven’t yet. Time, wind, crazy hair, “not being the right time,” - all have been things that I’ve said, to account for why I’d “tell you later.” 

Well, later is now, because I’m tired of waiting for the “right time” - and is there ever really a right time? Of course not. I wanted to tell you with my voice and face, via video - but telling you in written words feels more important right now than waiting to record a video “when the time is right” (crazy hair again today, lol).

So this story is about parking and the Universe.

Gem show parking, as you may or may not know, is a moderate nightmare. Some of the gem shows around town have free parking, but many charge for parking - even if you’re in the last hour of a show. I saw someone still charging for lot parking at a very popular show at 5:50…when the show closes at 6.

On top of this, whether you find free or paid parking, lots fill quickly…and hardly any lots are close to the vendors.

Often, you’ll walk a couple of city blocks in length, just to get to the opening of a show…where there are hundreds of booths and tents.

So, suffice it to say, there’s plenty of walking at the gem shows, which can be tricky when you are carrying crystals (rocks are heavy!).

Which brings me to what I wanted to tell you today.

The other night, I went right before closing to pick up a couple of boxes of crystals I had picked out from a friend, the day before. Parking at this, particular show is far and paid; so I pulled into a very small lot that does allow a few cars to park during the show (it’s typically hotel parking; this is one of the shows where vendors are set up primarily in hotel rooms).

The lot was full, but my friend had mentioned the day before that she had an extra parking permit that I could use, while I picked up my boxes. So I leaned out of the window to ask the parking attendant if there was somewhere I could park quickly, while I went a few booths in and picked up the parking pass.

Before he could even respond, another man walking toward the cars spoke up: “How about this space, right here, instead?” he said, as he motioned toward the second parking space in that row. It was literally perfect timing.

I backed up, to give him plenty of room to leave the spot; and rolled down my window to say thank you.

He rolled his down, as well, and said, “thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Universe always conspiring in your favor.”

Let me say that again, because it’s worth saying (at least) twice:

"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Universe always conspiring in your favor."

First, let’s look at the obvious: this simple, but kind, gesture would typically receive a grateful “thank you,” for sparing me from awkward parking, a long walk, or shelling out another $5 to park in a lot for 15 minutes. Always good. It’s definitely a “nice enough” feeling when someone motions to a spot they’re leaving and you can snag a prime spot, without much hassle. For sure. You smile. Maybe wave. And then go about your separate lives.

However, what this man said really got me thinking. Do I believe that the Universe is always conspiring in my (our) favor? Yes. Have I ever thought about how to be actively involved in helping others realize that? No. And it really made an impact.

So, what if the Universe is not only always conspiring on your behalf…but what if it is always giving you the opportunity to help others realize that the same is true for them, as well?

What if things aren’t just serendipity, but an opportunity to actively appreciate all of the magic in this world?

What if we were plugged into not only our own support from the Universe, but others’ support, as well?

And what if we were actually grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the magic in others' lives, and not just grateful for the magic that appears in our own lives? 

This small thing (I would have found a way to park, get my boxes, and be fine - it would have worked out somehow, regardless) gave me a big reminder of all of the magic the Universe has to offer. How people are good. How interactions - and perspectives - like these are so rare…but so meaningful.

I’ve thought about this guy every time I have parked, since that day (I think it was Sunday?); and I wonder if he has any idea how much his words have impacted me.

So, that is my short, but hopefully valuable, story for you. And, if this story made an impact on you, or got you to think a bit today, then thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Universe always conspiring in your favor.

Crystals for Boosting the Magic of Life

In addition to paying attention and looking for evidence of of the magic of life, here are a few crystals that can help you out: 

Labradorite: Labradorite is a stone of both magic and protection. It can help you to enhance your intuition, increase synchronicity in your life, and help you to remember and embrace the ways in which YOU shine. It can also help you cut through the illusions to find the truth in situations and dispel negativity. Read more about labradorite. 

Rainbow moonstone: Moonstone has a feminine, watery energy that can help you balance - especially if you are female. It is a stone that is associated with the full moon, as well as with new beginnings. Rainbow moonstone can bring flashes of intuition or knowing - and is actually in the same family as labradorite.

Clear quartz: Primarily, clear quartz is used as an amplifier – it can amplify the properties of other stones. Interestingly, this is also one of its uses in everyday life: as a way to move energy from one place to another, such as with electronics. Quartz is also easily programmable: When you set your intentions for the stone, it can help to amplify that energy, whether it be for abundance, love, or peace. In ancient times, quartz was thought to be water that was so deeply frozen that it became permanently crystallized. 

Homeplay

If you like to journal or contemplate some bigger questions, here are some for you:

• How can you remind others that the Universe is on their side?
• How can you actively be a part of the magic of the Universe?
• How can you enjoy being part of a larger plan?
• How can you actively seek out evidence that the Universe is working in your - and others’ - favor, if you only take the time to see it?