Go With The Flow

by Sara Peregrine (United States of America)

Making a local connection USA

Gravity is a force which pulls two objects toward each other. My relationship with luck could be compared to gravity. Whether it be karma or the law of attraction, the Universe frequently rewards me with unique experiences. I’ve won concert tickets, contests, and even a trip to Costa Rica. The most meaningful of these experiences occurred in 2013 when I won two VIP tickets to the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I asked my best friend Courtney if she wanted to spend a week on the beach and she excitedly agreed. We booked our flights and were set to depart a few weeks later. We decided to rent a car as the festival was located an hour from the Atlanta Airport, however I was greeted with an unexpected hurdle upon arrival. The deposit required was over budget by only $20. Courtney’s flight and my paycheck wouldn’t arrive until the following day, and I didn’t own a credit card. The woman at the counter, Sherice, was clearly in no mood to delay the growing line of people who already reserved their vehicles. Feeling slightly dejected, I ventured outside and was immediately comforted by a sherbert sunset and cotton candy clouds. I called Courtney and she offered to pay the shortage, but unfortunately they could not process payments over the phone. I was at a loss, alone in an unfamiliar city, and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I didn’t have enough money to rent the car, let alone a hotel room. After attempting to calm my racing mind by breathing deep and gazing at the neon sky, I gathered up the courage to talk to Sherice again. With tears welling in my eyes, I explained my dilemma in full detail. Something in my plea struck a chord within her, because her face softened. She instructed me to wait while she figured out a plan. After the line dwindled, she summoned me to the desk, handed me $20 and picked up the phone. Thirty minutes later her husband arrived, and we headed to my bank to deposit the cash. We had a wonderful conversation about how life is full of blessings. He did not complain once about driving me around at 11:30 PM. Back at the airport, Sherice handed over the keys to the nicest (and only) car in the lot. She suggested parking at a hotel and using their facilities in the morning. I thanked them both profusely and promised to return the favor. As I drove to the closest hotel and set up a bed of clothes in the back seat, I was overcome with gratitude and exhaustion. The morning soundtrack featured playful chirping of beautiful Blue Jays, swooping and dodging amid an abundance of vibrant trees. My stomach growled and I remembered Sherice’s advice. It was time for a top secret mission. I entered the hotel through an open side door, quickly ducked into the bathroom to freshen up, and casually strolled to the breakfast area. Continental breakfast never tasted so delicious. Practically inhaling a waffle and hard boiled eggs, I mused on how perfectly things aligned. Sure there were hurdles, but through faith and persistence I managed to obtain a free car, free breakfast, and a free place to stay. Not to mention I was headed to a free festival on the beach! Later that evening I picked up Courtney, gave Sherice her money, and thanked her again for being so generous and kind. My faith in humanity was at an all-time high. There truly are angels out there. The festival was unbelievably fun. We swam in the warm Gulf waters, tanned on soft white sand, ate fresh seafood, and grooved to our favorite music. To top it all off, on our last day we befriended a band who gifted us the key to their hotel room overlooking the ocean, while they departed for their next destination. The lesson I learned was if something doesn’t work out as you expect, just wait because the universe usually has an even better plan. Accept reality and be open to all available options. Go with the flow. It will always lead to wherever you are meant to go.