I got some news last night that, even though I’d been prepared for it, made my body go violently ill for hours. \u00a0I knew it was a stress reaction, although it felt like a combination migraine and hot flash and stomach flu and seizure. \u00a0Even in the midst of it, I knew it was a stress reaction. \u00a0It’s been years since I’ve had that much stress then had it released. \u00a0 My lifestyle the past 20 years is fairly chill and stress free. I find most stress comes, not from traumatic events, but from waiting to hear an outcome, waiting for a final decision. \u00a0<\/p>\n
When I worked for criminal defense attorneys, the hardest part for the family was waiting for the sentencing. \u00a0They could imagine all sorts of what if scenarios, but for many families, until sentencing, everything is on hold until they knew what part the defendant\/our client is going to be able to play in it. \u00a0Will he be in their daily lives? \u00a0Will he be able to work? \u00a0Who will drive if he can’t? \u00a0Who will make sure he gets to his court appointed meetings and probations, and community service etc. if he is not driving? And during incarceration, are funds available for phone calls and commissary items? Is visitation permitted and geographically feasible? <\/em> So that was the busywork I’d give our clients while they were awaiting their loved one’s sentencing. \u00a0Figure that stuff out ahead of time, I told them, then when sentencing comes down, you’re emotionally prepared for what follows. \u00a0Because what would follow would always be a giant relief, kind of what I felt in 1976 when I learned my brother Bobby<\/a> died. \u00a0My first thought was, “thank you, God, I no longer have to worry every day whether he’s ok.” \u00a0Once the waiting is over, once the unknowing is over, then it’s just a matter of doing your time or fulfilling the remaining terms of a contract or whatever to tie up loose ends. \u00a0But the giant tension is gone. \u00a0You can relax into a knowing that the Universe will work out all the details, you just need to stay focused on wanting a positive outcome<\/a> and stay out of your own way. \u00a0Me, too, like right now. \u00a0I can get out of my own way now, trying to control a situation I have no control over except through prayer and holding the higher vision.<\/p>\n