It’s Who You Are

Copyright Shelly Wilson 2014

This time last week I was enjoying a leisurely stroll around the Spiritualist community of Lily Dale, NY. I plan to write more about my time there very soon. In this moment, I would like to share a story with you of what occurred during my visit to Niagara Falls on Sunday. I included an extra day in my itinerary and planned to visit the Falls since I was so close. I woke up at my regular time, checked out of my room, then opted to eat breakfast at Cup a Joe Café & Bakery before leaving Lily Dale.

Making my way back through Buffalo and up to the Falls, I stopped at the Welcome Center. Noticing a sign for Gray Line tours, I inquired about the price and was told the next tour left in 15 minutes. I didn’t read what the tour entailed. I simply trusted that it was meant to be. The clerk ran my credit card then told me that the tour was full, but a next one would be departing in a few hours. I opted not to wait and asked for a refund. Then, the tour guide/bus driver arrived and the clerk notified him of a party cancelling due to unforeseen circumstances, so she asked for my card once again and ran it. I assumed it was meant to be, so I hopped on the bus.

We arrived at the next pick up and the driver received a call from his dispatcher. Apparently, there was some miscommunication involved. I was very calm, but he was very upset. He hurriedly made his other pick ups then let me know that I would be returned to my pick up, so that I could take another tour. When I walked in, the clerk apologized and let me know I could take the 1:00 pm tour, which I had previously declined. I let her know that I knew it wasn’t meant to be and that I would happily accept a refund. No worries. She commented, “You are such a sweetheart.”

I got in my rental car and made my own way to the falls. I observed the multitude of people and tourist attractions and decided to walk a portion of the perimeter myself. I covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Looking down, I observed the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds attractions and realized that I would not have been a happy tourist considering the participants were drenched with water for the most part.

Copyright Shelly Wilson 2014

When I neared the American Falls, a gentleman walked by and commented on my watch. I paused and smiled. A short time later while I was taking pictures, he approached me and asked if he could take my picture with my camera. I hesitated saying, “The humidity has wrecked havoc on my hair and I’m sweating.” He smiled and responded, “It’s who you are.” In that one moment, I became very emotional and acknowledged why I was there having this interaction. I allowed him to take my picture and realized I didn’t look as “bad” as I perceived. We chatted briefly and he pointed across the way to Canada asking if I have visited that side. I recognized that Spirit was providing me with a clear message that I did indeed need to make the trek across the Rainbow Bridge in order to view the Falls from the other side. Coming prepared, I instinctively knew to bring my passport with me on this trip in the event I would do just that.

Copyright Shelly Wilson 2014

Walking across the bridge, I continued to pause and take pictures. The view from Canada was indeed very different than the view from the United States. Both were beautiful; they were simply different! Entering Canada was easy with a few questions being asked as to where I was from and why I was visiting. I spent all of 30 minutes observing the beauty then made my way back across the bridge. This time the wait to re-enter was much longer, yet I knew having patience was essential so as not to diminish the experience. Returning back to my car, I concluded my self-tour in less time and recognize its significance.

Copyright Shelly Wilson 2014

What I Learned from this Experience:
1) Everything is always as it should be in each and every moment.
2) My guides are continuously working behind the scenes on my behalf, so that I can learn the lessons I am intended to learn.
3) Patience is truly a virtue.
4) Kindness has a ripple effect.
5) Being acknowledged is important and feels good.
6) When an opportunity presents itself, take it. Allow yourself to see all possible perspectives of an experience.
7) I am who I am.
8) It isn’t the destination, but the journey itself.