“Notes From the Field” with Erin Matson on Chapelboro.com is proudly presented by Chapel Hill Tire.
Erin Matson is a Tar Heel, world-class athlete, team player and champion. Here, in “Notes From the Field,” she’ll be sharing some of her thoughts in an ongoing series set to cover anything and everything on her mind. You can find the full series so far here, on Chapelboro.
Five years ago, I could’ve told you when I was getting married, how many kids I was going to have, where I was going to live, and what job I’d be working.
Remember that silly little “My 10-Year Plan” thing in high school? Yeah, same. Because organized, competitive, probably-too-literal-at-the-time planners like myself took that way too seriously.
Then, one day, you realize how Life has mastered the skill of sitting back and chuckling at innocence from a distance.
As I jumped in my car last Friday evening, I did what I always do: started the ignition, opened the Spotify app on my phone, and chose a playlist that reflected the mood. (If you know me, you know I always need music playing, and I rarely just hit “Shuffle.”)
As I was putting the car in reverse, I thought to myself, “I still have no idea what I’m going to write about for the upcoming column…”
It was a bit perplexing since usually at least one event occurs each week – big or small – that makes me pause for a second, gets my wheels turning, and connects to a bigger-picture concept. But the end of the week was right around the corner, and there was still nothing that stood out. Uhh, this isn’t part of the plan, Erin. This week’s ‘moment’ was supposed to happen by now!
Then – as if someone was listening to the voice in my head – eureka!
I turned down South Road, Mike Stud began to play from the queue (if you’re a real one, you know the vibe), and guys. GUYS! How I’m going to describe this will not do it justice…
The cotton candy skies surrounding the Bell Tower were breathtaking. Not just to me, but to the dozens of people stopped dead in their tracks with their phones held high trying to capture the beautiful moment so they could hold onto it forever. (I regret not just stopping in the middle of the street and taking a picture myself!)
The Bell Tower was glowing with the setting sun and clouds creating the perfect backdrop. People talk about “Golden Hour,” but it’s so basic. “Blue Hour” is where the real magic is. My goodness, was it magical. Everyone stood still in awe.
It was this week’s “moment.” It was also Life’s way of saying, “Erin, you should know by now – I know what I’m doing.”
We’ve talked about preparation – doing the work consistently, over time, to set yourself up for success; controlling the controllables; not allowing others to narrate your story.
Then we talked about how it makes the long-run way more comforting and enjoyable when you know you’ve done everything in your power on the front end. But what about the things you can’t prepare for?
The past five years have not gone exactly how we expected. In fact, I think we all can agree Life did not hold back when slapping us in the face with a reality check!
It’s easy to forget that some things are out of our control. Trust me, I’m with ya. Leaving things up to the universe to decide is not my default setting. But, it makes it that much more beautiful and rewarding when Life steps in and takes care of stuff for us – either by aligning the stars or giving us a challenge to work through and learn from.
What are your dreams? Good, now dream bigger. Set goals, and proudly sprint towards them. Be aspirational.
But also be adaptable and receptive. Allow fate to run its course. Let karma be… ya know.
It’s a two-way street. You give and you get.
Strike that balance of, “Get out of my way” and, “Help show me the way”. If it’s uncomfortable for you, you’re not alone. But I promise, it’s worth it.
Life is reliable.
There are countless messages and hidden treasures specific to your journey. Some might take longer to discover or take longer to swallow. Some may stay a secret forever. Life has its reasons. Either way, know they’re there for you – to help you.
If and when you start to question it all, Life will be there waiting for the right time to give you your perfect, cotton candy sky.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines