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Lost Late at Night in North Carolina © 2003 by Julie Jordan Scott

The feather like clouds billowed around the car as I drove silently through the deep of darkness of Western North Carolina. Their fluffy light whiteness spoke to me. My heart started pounding.

In that moment I heard a distinct message. I was driving in the wrong direction.

Glancing at the clock illuminating the dashboard, I saw it was 3:30 am. Three hours until my flight was due to leave the Charlotte airport. The question quickly became "Where am I? I don't remember seeing any signs for Knoxville on my way towards Flat Rock."

I was driving into oblivion.

I felt completely and devastatingly alone.

I turned my car around and prayed to come upon an exit with a 24 hour service station so that I could get my bearings straight. I was reminded of an old Davey and Goliath episode from my childhood where the two main characters are stuck in a train car hurdling down the tracks towards who knows where. The difference was I knew where I wanted to be, I just didn't know if the highway I was on would get me there. With relief I pulled off the freeway and discovered a convenience
store. I entered and breathed deeply. I asked to review the map with someone who knew the area.

Looking at the map I could see where I was in the moment and I could see my destination.

My brain had turned into early morning mush and I had already been driving for almost two hours. Puzzling over the map, I asked the gentleman at the counter what would be the easiest, fastest way to Charlotte Airport.I did not know how to discern which way to go from where I was to get to where I wanted to go.

The man at the counter gave me options, "Well, you could go this way or that way or the other way."

I could feel the despair beginning to take root in my spirit.

The first man walked away and I remained standing with the words, "I just don't know what to do." I had driven about an hour out of my way by that point.

A second man walked towards me saying, "Ma'am, if you take this road to this road, you will make it pretty quickly."

With panic welling in my chest again I said, "I don't want to take any small little roads here, I don't know this area. I am from
California I need well lit, well labeled highways."

He smiled. "They just finished constructing this highway. It's all four lanes and will get you to within four exits of the airport."

Ta-Da!

He clearly made a statement and my blurry view took crystal clarity.

With a new found spring in my step, I went on my way. The right way. The man called after me, "Come back and see us again!" My happy wave in response was filled with laser like focus and determination.

Once again, I was on my way.

Several lessons were learned during that late night experience.

1. When swirling clouds speak to you - or your body signals to you that something is not right - listen.

2. Pause to regain your bearings.

3. Throwing options into a swirling web of confusion only adds to the confusion.

4. Ask for assistance and ask again if necessary. Clarity will come if you are patient and willing to continue requesting until it
comes.

5. As the fog lifts, go on your way with focus, faith and determination. You are almost there! All it takes is getting back
on track and stepping into action.

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Julie Jordan Scott is a Personal Success Coach who is dedicated to creating Heaven on Earth through inspiring people to Discover their Passion so that they can live a life of their choosing.
Visit http://www.5passions.com for free resources for YOUR success
Contact Julie now to bring YOUR vision to life today.
ph: 661.325.4116 or email mailto:[email protected]
To request your complimentary coaching session, complete this simple form:
http://www.5passions.com/coachingreqform.html

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"Courage lost... all is lost." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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