As part of a series of posts showcasing the different subjects, styles, and voices of my clients, I’d like to introduce you to Christine Khetarpal, ‎who helps women contemplating divorce make clear choices with confidence. This is an excerpt from her upcoming book, a parable that speaks to the lessons that these women must learn along the decision-making path.

“I don’t understand. Poseidon, why have you abandoned me?” I cried, tears strolling down my face. I felt a pain so deep that I thought my heart was going to explode.  I looked over at the two humans, continuing to talk to each other as if they didn’t see the drama unfolding nearby.

“You, my dear, are the one who abandoned yourself and left your happiness behind. I gave you a choice.  And you chose by default,” he reminded me.

“I didn’t choose anything.  You made this decision for me!”  I could barely get the words out through my tears. “Please, please, please, I beg you….”  I was fixated on making sure he heard me.  I wanted to go back to the creatures that needed me at the bottom of the ocean floor.

“Not making a choice is still a choice.  By hanging onto hope that a problem will eventually go away, by waiting for a different life to suddenly appear, or by constantly burying your head in the sand, you must know that the consequences of your actions or inaction will still occur.  In fact, you are only trying to ignore the inevitable.  Change is constant, whether you are looking for it or not.  Sometimes you can control what happens to you.  Sometimes you cannot.  But there is one thing that will never leave you; the ability to consciously choose your thoughts, your behaviors, and your responses.  It’s the true power you wield and paves the way for a future only you can decide upon.”

I tried moving my mouth to speak but nothing came out.  The two humans were still far away, talking among themselves and ignoring my presence.

Poseidon raised his mighty trident. “If you wish to have a second chance, if you wish to live your life by choice rather than by chance, then listen to me closely.”

He stepped closer and for a brief moment, I was lost in his blue oceanic eyes. Yes, of course I want a second chance.  I want to be a mermaid.  Turn me back now.  I felt his hand on my heart and a warm sensation flooded throughout my entire body.  “OK, I am ready,” I said with a newfound calm.

“Until the next full moon, you will live in this human body as a woman.”

Wait. What? I tried to object, but he cupped his hand over my eyes.

“There will be lessons along the way.  Keep your eyes, mind, and heart open to opportunities that have been blinded by your fears, confusion, and insecurities.”

His trident dropped, clattering on the rocks around us. Both of his hands were now atop my head.  I felt a tingling sensation, like a hundred jellyfish gently stinging my scalp.

“While you will not have a past in this new world, you will have a possible future. There are many lessons to be learned when making this big decision.  I, as well as others, will guide you throughout this journey, but in the end, only you can decide which world you will live in.  Everything you need is already in front of you, inside you, or around you.”

Everything is in front of me? You are right here, so change me back.  I don’t understand what you are saying.

“You will in time. Be patient and trust the process. Use your time wisely and think carefully.

I began to cry again as the thought of leaving my home for that long slowly sunk in.

“On the night of the next full moon, 28 days from now, take the golden coin I gave you and stand on the shore that bridges land and sea.  It is then that you will choose which world you wish to live in. Don’t forget that every coin has two sides, each bearing a different life. Soon, it will be time to make your choice.  Heads or tails, my dear.  Heads or tails?”

And then he was gone.  Every single word, however, stayed with me.