September 2nd, 2008
I was running late for an appointment with my new gynecologist for my annual exam. My gas tank was running pretty low, but I thought I could easily make it to the doctor’s office. No problem. I made it.
After my exam, I realized I had mistakenly grabbed the wrong insurance card. Bummer. If I left immediately, I could zip home AND back - BEFORE the doctor’s office closed for the day at 5:30pm. Great! I was up for the challenge.
So, off I went…about 15 minutes home.
I expeditiously found my insurance card and dashed back out the door. As I drove back, my body was becoming a little more anxious. By now, I *knew* I was cutting it close, as the light on my gas gauge became brighter and brighter red.
I pulled up to the doctor’s office, parked in front…and dashed inside to complete my transaction. Whew!! Close call. But, I made it!
Back in my car, my car started right up and I pondered my next destination.
Should I get gas now or pull into the parking lot at Macy’s? It was maybe 30 yards away. You see, I needed to pick up some mascara.
I consciously checked in with my own “inner guidance” and felt the tug toward Macy’s. Seriously!
My conscious mind thought “getting gas” seemed like the more pragmatic and superior choice. But I make a practice of honoring my “inner guidance,” so I responded accordingly. After all, it felt like a clear “yes.”
I pulled right into the driveway and parked. A few minutes later, my purchase made, I sat happily back into my car seat.
One turn in the ignition — and NOTHING.
My car didn’t make a single peep. It was flat out of gas. And, as I was so clearly reminded…cars need gas to operate 
That was the REALITY of the situation.
I immediately thought to call my husband John and share the drama of my situation. But, before I could dial, I came to my senses. What can he do to help 15 minutes away? Sharing this drama was only going to interrupt what he was doing. I could handle this.
I talk so much about “inner peace,” could I experience “inner peace” now?
Suddenly, I surrendered to the reality of the situation and recognized “all was well.”
“Hello, inner peace.”
My car simply needed some gas. So, what WERE my options?
I stepped out of the car and way on the other side of the mall I could see a Shell gas station. I thought to myself, “Wonderful. It’s a warm, balmy evening and now I’ll get my exercise in! How perfect is this?!!”
I still remember walking across the parking lot, feeling the warm air on my skin, appreciating my walk, appreciating how close the gas station was, embracing every detail around me and within me.
There was another blessing waiting at the gas station. They sold gas cans!! Once again, a wave of gratitude perked up my already perky smile. How lucky am I? I filled it up and paid up $12.59.
On the journey back, I had to refrain myself from skipping. I felt so much joy inside. As I approached my car, I thought to myself, “Gosh, it would be really great to get some help.”
Sure enough, the moment I arrived at my car, a clean cut gentleman in a black Mercedes was placing his bags in his trunk. In a heartbeat he offered, “Would you like some help? I’m from Texas.”
I graciously accepted, which was a very good thing. After quite a bit of fiddling we somehow figured out how to transfer the gas into the car. Then, sure enough, my car started right up.
Thanking this gentleman, I offered him a copy of my book, The Power of Inner Choice since he mentioned he was attending a Landmark Forum workshop (a personal development seminar) in the coming week. Yet another magical outcome of this auspicious “magic moment.”
Who says you can’t experience full-on INNER PEACE when one runs out of gas?
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I’ve watched this COUNTLESS times.