Taking Up Space: Rule No 1, Stop Asking for Permission.

Happy New Month Fam! I hope you are pumped as I am for the second half of 2022.

I love the energy of the new month. The call to try something new. The anticipation of what lays ahead. So much could happen. But how much can I actually make happen without getting in my way?

I went on a short adventure yesterday. My mission was to catch the magical sunset from Chwaka Bay which is on the Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar. Feeling little excitement about the straightforwardness not so adventurous taxi option, I decided to go local.

So I took the bus to the end of this part of the island. The journey there was ok. It’s the return that would hit me with several reminders. Today I share one.

Now if you’ve lived in a coastal town, you know it gets dark quite fast. Yesterday was no exception.

After the spectacular and eventful (story for another day. I have never seen so many people dress up to take photos with the sun at the same time) sunset, I made it back to the bus stop just before the last ray of sunlight hit this part of mother earth. At the corner, I noticed a van that looked like it had made its last trip ever and was ready to be shipped to the garage. Surely this was not the one heading back home.

As it got darker, I became low-key concerned the buses were done for today. I had no taxi contact, but that wouldn't be so hard to find. I also figured worse case booking.com could come to my rescue for the night. Still, I would rather get back. Mindfully, exploring my options, I walked over to a nearby shop (there are literally four shops in this town) and asked a local guy how the bus system works.

He pointed me towards the empty worn-out van parked at the corner. Yes, the one I thought was retired. No way was I getting in there, I murmured to myself.?While he seemed pretty convinced it was headed in my direction, my foolish tourist self was sceptical.

Time would tell shortly who was right.

A few minutes later, a more modern bus came by. My heart skipped a beat with joy. Finally, something more decent. Like what I was looking for. (Limiting belief check; how often are you seeking new opportunities or experiences, a new job, new lifestyle etc but then the truth is you will only accept that which is known/familiar to you?)

As I waited for the passengers to alight so I could board, I made the mistake of asking the conductor if I could get in if I was dropping off along the way. He looked up and firmly responded, ''NO''. I was taken back. What do you mean NO?! Apparently, I couldn’t get on this bus as it was going directly to the main town. He was only taking direct passengers. Yet at the same time, he let in a few other passengers who would drop off on the way. How rude. I thought as he pointed me back to the empty worn-out van.

As I walked away, contemplating my fate, a local guy who had witnessed the thirty seconds of disappointment said to me. ''Sister, you just get in anyway. Never ask. Don’t say where you are going. Just get in. And when you get to your destination you get off''.

Boom! The insights came crashing fast.

Why the heck was I asking for permission when I knew exactly where I was headed?

Where else am I asking for permission when I know exactly my vision, and what I want to do? ?How is that holding me back from progress, my desires, ambitions and goals?

Passing over the questions to you! Happy Musing!

To be continued...

Love & Light

Luna