Sliding Doors

There are times in our lives where we think we've missed an opportunity. We either feel a sense of loss or guilt depending on if we believe the opening was taken away or overlooked.

It's kind of like the movie Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow. She's running to catch the train, and one version of her life makes it, and the other doesn't. If you haven't seen the 1998 film yet, I'm sorry for the spoiler. 

The movie follows both lives in concurrent timelines. And as the viewer, we get to see what might have been and how they differ.

I think that's what makes the movie great is I believe we're all wondering, "What would have happened if...?"

I had my own "Sliding Doors" moment in my life in the mid-'90s.

I was still in college, attending California Institute of the Arts. And word got around the dance department that the legendary Twyla Tharp was having auditions for her company.

It was held at UCLA, and over 500 dancers came out to audition. I'm happy to say I made it to the final callback later that day after the lunch break.

One of the biggest opportunities seemed as if it were mine. Twyla had only called back five girls and five guys. So I was excited, nervous, and frightened all at the same time.

The window of opportunity was RIGHT THERE! I could feel it!

And then my sliding doors happened.

I WAS LATE FOR THE CALLBACK.

The minute I knew I wasn't going to make it back into the room on time, I knew my chances were gone. Of course, I still showed up and finished the audition, but I knew it was over before even walking in.

It was super painful to know that I had gotten in my own way and missed an opportunity of a lifetime.

And now, after 25 years of a successful dance career, I look back and see God still set me up with other plans.

I sometimes think about what my life would have looked like if I had been on time. And then I realize when one door closes, God has 1,000,000 more chances waiting for us to walk through.

Here's to 1,000,000 more chances.

With lots of LOVE,
Teresa

#plantingseeds #dreamsdocometrue #yourgreatnessiscalling #moveonpurpose