Live More, Fear Less
Cruising through Tahiti
This was going to be the trip of a lifetime, a cruise around the islands of Tahiti. The photo of the beautiful cruise ship and the turquoise water was so alluring that I could not stop thinking about it. The tour was full yet in quiet moments my mind kept returning to that image on the TUT website.
TUT was once the acronym of Mike and Andy Dooley’s company that sold Totally Unique T-shirts. Now TUT is the acronym for The Universe Talks. TUT’s mission “is to remind us of life’s fundamental truths: that life is magical, we are powerful, and dreams really do come true.”
I put my name on the waiting list, received an e-mail stating there was a cabin available, and signed up just weeks before the scheduled departure. There were still challenges such as finding a dog sitter to stay at my house and other important considerations yet everything fell into place. Until the drive to the airport.
What normally is an hour and fifteen minute drive turned into a three hour drive and my window of opportunity to make my flight appeared to be closing. There was no plan B. There was no alternate route. I texted my daughter who has an amazing way of seeing light when I see clouds. Her responding to my text was supportive and hopeful. My only recourse truly was to trust the Universe and let go.
My dear friend Mike was driving me and his calm and competent driving was another reason to believe that I would make it. He even offered to stay at the airport until I made it through TSA and was ready to board at the gate. This is the text I sent: “Thank you, Michael. I am at the gate. Love you.”
I did not include in the text how I apologized as I cut to the front of the security line announcing my plane was boarding. I was going to make this trip with my invisible Wonder Woman bracelets, invisible Superman cape, and unstoppable attitude.
After landing at LAX and retrieving my luggage, once again it took a team of helpers/strangers to guide me from Terminal 8 to Terminal B Tom Bradley International Terminal a long, crowded and busy 15-minute walk outside. It was suggested we wear something red so we could locate our group of TUT travelers. I expected to find a chatty, excited group. While my expectations were unmet, something else magical happened. I sat across from Bob.
Bob looked similar to the photo of the man on the TUT Tahitian Cruise Adventure Facebook Group. The man in the tiny Facebook photo was wearing sunglasses. The man sitting across from me was not. He saw me look at my phone and back at him. “Are you Bob?” He put his sunglasses on and we laughed. We continued to laugh and to discuss metaphysics, family dynamics, books, and life’s questions big and small throughout the cruise. One of my goals for this trip was to make new friends and spending time with Bob was easy and delightful.
The beautiful shared experiences with fellow travelers were bountiful. Joel helped me find the marina to pick up the snorkeling equipment the ship provided for us. Shelley had so much gusto. She was lively and fun and also gave hugs with genuine caring and love.
Andy Dooley guided the group to ask the Universe to “Surprise and delight me.” Shree and Teri and I were surprised and delighted by adventures on the island of Mo’orea where we waded through hip deep water by a woman we just met who offered to take us to a beach resort. She magically appeared in our lives and was gone in an instant yet her kindness stays in my heart.
Shree also called Room Service for me when I caught a stomach bug and was temporarily unable to leave my cabin. She was thoughtful in so many ways. These moments were delightful and surprising.
More of Andy’s wisdom imparted in his unique style urged the TUT travelers to “Open yourself up to receive!” And “Let your dreams be bigger than all the drama in your life.” Mike reminded us that we are all sparks of the Divine and our inclination is to Thrive.
From the caring, thoughtful and respectful crew to the Benchmark Incentives support team, the 59 TUTTERS, Mike and his wife, Andy and the lovely Tahitians and people of French Polynesia, I give deep heartfelt thanks and gratitude for this trip of a lifetime.
I could easily have let this trip slip away as a “wouldn’t it be nice to do that someday….” But I chose to Live More and Fear Less.
To my dear readers, take the trip or whatever it is that you wish for.
Life is magical and dreams do really come true.
