The Gambler
By: Lori Walker
(4 min read)
I respect country music. There are a few songs and artists that are very nostalgic for me. Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire reminds me of my father. When he was stationed in Korea, Johnny and June Carter Cash performed for a small group of soldiers on his base. My dad got to shake his hand. I giggle when I imagine him saying, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash!” One of my mom’s favorite songs is Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw.
I have a thing for Kenny Rogers. It’s debatable whether some of his music is considered country, but I’ll roll with this anyway!
Who can resist The Gambler? Right? I’m sure I’m not they only one singing along when he belts out “You got to know when to hold ‘em… know when to fold ‘em…”
The opening lyric sets the stage perfectly for the rest of the song. But I love that it is a metaphor for life.
“On a warm summer’s evening…on a train bound for nowhere…”
Five years ago, I was in a pretty bad place. I would sit in my house, night after night, thinking ‘my life is never going to get any better than this.’ For the outside world, I’d put on a happy face. But deep down, my heart was a bottomless pit of despair.
The only light in my life during that time was reading. God, I love books! My appetite for knowledge is insatiable. I jokingly call myself an education enthusiast! But it doesn’t stop with books. I’ll take it in any form. Movies, music lyrics, podcasts, interviews, even conversations with friends. My motto is “I have something to learn from every person that I meet!”
There are people who will come into your life that will change your world completely. Call it destiny, Law of Attraction, Sacred Contracts, whatever you want.
Her name was Kelly Simon. Her company, Simon Event Management, was one of our clients at my commercial printing company. Since I do all the bulk mailings, she and I worked closely together on many of her marketing postcards. One the perks of our friendship was that she would let me attend her events for free.
My favorite was The Mind, Body, Spirit Expo. There were vendors, discussion panels and so much more! I would attend both days, with my itinerary planned down to the minute. I was a kid in a candy store!
One particular event led me to Reiki. I received my first Reiki treatment from a wonderfully talented Empath Coach named Peg. I knew nothing about it, and I literally had no idea what to expect. At first, I didn’t feel anything. But by the end of the session, I felt what I called electricity start in my feet. It was a slight tingly sensation. It travelled up my body, gaining intensity, until it shot straight up through my head. I was so excited, I had to learn more!
I would eventually become both a Usui Reiki Master and Holy Fire Reiki Master. Although I’m certified, I don’t practice professionally. What’s more important to me were the friends that I made while attending the classes. Life long friends, Soul Sisters and deeply caring ladies. They have supported me through many tough phases of my journey. I’m forever grateful!
It was a gamble to open my heart and mind to new concepts and ways of thinking. I’m so glad I did!
I took another gamble when I submitted the very first story “Mary Queen” to Mayhem to Miracles, Sacred Stories of Transformational Hope. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
Since Mayhem was part of the title, I let it all pour out. The story is dedicated to Mary, but it is my detailed account of two abusive marriages and my alarmingly close attempt to take my own life.
After the book was released, a few people asked if I would ever write again. I thought, if I ever had the chance, I would write the sequel. I wanted to write about the fabulous adventures Mary and I had after The Storm. I wanted to show how she turned a frightened, broken woman into a potential beacon of hope for single mothers and survivors of domestic abuse. There is life waiting after divorce.
I’m thrilled to say I got my chance! My second story, “There’s Something About Mary,” will be published in The Four-Fold Formula for All Things Wellness. Tentative launch date is September 1, 2022.
Read about two of our funniest memories and several colorful characters we met along the way. Here’s a little teaser…I may end up getting the guy in the end!
Life is full of opportunities. Yes, it’s always a gamble to try something new. But I’m personally here to tell you, it can lead to some of the best people and best moments you will ever experience.
Be an education enthusiast! Inspiration can come from anywhere. One sentence could make all the difference to someone who needs to hear it.
“In his final words… I found an Ace that I could keep…” Kenny Rogers
“The perfect words, spoken at the perfect time, to the perfect person, can change the course of someone’s life forever.” Lori Walker, Mayhem to Miracles
Lori Walker
All Things Wellness, LLC
ljwalker131@comcast.net
The information provided is the opinion of the author and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. diagnoses, or treatment. The author and the business, All Things Wellness, LLC, and its owner Peggy Willms, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this website. We assume no responsibility for tangible and intangible damages such physical harm caused by using a product, loss of profits or loss of data, and defamatory comments.
