DAY 23...When you take on the universe

As a friend, you get surprises. At least I think that is the case.

And because this seems to be a week of discourse with the universe, let's go for Round number three!

Now the other day (Day 25 to be exact), I spoke about not taking the universe on as an adversary and we agreed, at least I think you agreed with me, that when you take on an opponent, you have to take on someone you know you at least have a chance of beating.

However, when you take on a friend, you don't want someone you can beat, you want someone who can help you win. And looking at things that way, the universe is not a bad friend to have. All that power it has to beat you down, is the same power it can use to lift you up and move you forward. Now that's the kind of friend I want on my side.

So, when you are trying to win something - let's say a raw food challenge for example - the universe is the buddy you want right next to you. After my grey sky day on DAY 26 and my sunshine and go head to head with the universe on DAY 25, I find myself getting a little surprise this morning.

I opened up my punnet of strawberries to make breakfast and look what I found - this gigantic, heart shaped strawberry. Well, it looked heart shaped to me. And I believe that after telling the universe I am going to win this thing, the universe contemplated for a while and then became my best friend.

So of course, because we are now BFF's, the universe sent me a heart shaped bright red strawberry to remind me to keep smiling. To remind me I have powerful friends on my side. To remind me that life is funny sometimes. To remind me that when you make the universe your friend, anything is possible. And, to remind me that whatever I want to achieve, I can achieve. Because, after all that's what best friends do right?

Of course, I could go on about the universe for ages, but I have to admit, this is the first day of sun we have had in about 4 months. And, as much as I love to chat, I'm just dying to get out there for my second walk of the day with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair.

While I'm doing that, why don't you go and make friends with the universe and see what surprises you receive.

DAY 25... The sun shone brighter

Today. Which is how I like it. After my grey sky day yesterday I woke up ready to tackle the universe. Okay, so maybe 'tackle' is a strong word, let's face it if my sparring partner is the universe, we know who has the leverage to win, and I'm not that stupid. If I'm going to take someone on, I have to at least have half a chance of winning.

Nevertheless, I looked the universe in the eyes and said 'you will not beat me, I will win this' or something to that effect. I might have hung my head a little and mumbled as I said that, just in case the universe decided on a quick retribution.

Then I went out for my morning walk. I lengthened my gait, increased the tempo of my stride, held my head just a little higher, thrust my jaw forward, swung my arms a little more determinedly and definitely, definitely mumbled to the universe under my breath.

Yesterday might have been a hurdle, but today I was going to show that hurdle just how high I could jump. I sat down and re-read all the goals I had written down before I started this little journey. Goals are important when you venture into the land of Raw, they remind you what you are aiming for. They help you navigate the over abundant obstacles of cabbage and carrot and kale. They remind you why you started this crazy little journey in the first place. They set you straight.

I went to yoga and did the 90 minute class instead of the 60 minute class. Yes, I was going to get as much stinky sweat out of me as I could before thrusting my jaw in the general direction of the universe again and mumbling 'look here buddy, I will win'.

And now I'm going to celebrate.

Why? Because today I looked frustration and weakness and anger and lethargy in the face and I out-stared all of them.

Why? Because I can, simple as that.

Why you ask? Because in the words of Maya Angelou - I am woman, Phenomenal Woman. http://www.feminist.com/resources/artspeech/insp/maya.htm

(Photo by Robby M - Australia)

DAY 26... Grey skies

No witty repartee today I'm afraid. I promised that I would write every day of my challenge, I did not promise it would all be sunshine and blue skies. Or, that I would always be charming and delightful.

My mood plummeted along with the barometer this morning. Nothing in particular, just a grey sky day. I know we all have them.

Part of it is just the regular fluctuations of life, and part of it is wanting instant gratification. I have been very diligent with this new lifestyle and now I want immediate results. 'I've been good for two weeks' I shout at the universe, 'why don't I look instantly amazing and feel incredible? Do you know how tough this is?'.

The universe chuckles at me and goes on about its more important business. 'All in good time' I hear the whisper in my head, 'this didn't happen overnight and it won't be healed overnight'.

Okay, universe, have it your way.

For now I'll look out the window at the grey sky and instead of words, will give you a picture of a beautiful sky after the rain. Because, at the end of the day, I know the sun always shines after the rain!