Last week, I was helping my husband at our restaurant. There was some downtime, so I decided to catch up on my work. I sat at a spot that allows me a bird’s eye view of the goings on of the place. Right in front of my line of vision was a gentleman relishing a burger that he ordered. He was almost done with his meal, and I expected him to ask for the check; however, what happened next surprised me. As I looked away for a mere second and back again, I saw him bolt out of his chair and make a beeline for the exit. I was so stunned that it took me a moment to realize that he never asked for the bill and nor did he pay for his food. When I checked with the staff, they concurred. One of the team members and I stepped outside to see if we could locate this gentleman, but we had no luck. It was as if he disappeared into thin air. I was shocked and disgusted at the turn of events, but I was in for another surprise later that week. In this week’s blog, I share the aftermath of that incident along with its lessons and reminders on perspective, forgiveness, and faith.
I was so upset about the entire episode that I searched for this customer up and down the street. I complained to my husband about how someone could stoop so low. I also pondered what we could have done to ensure this did not happen again. The amount was meager, but it was the act that left me bothered. While I was ranting and raving, my husband was as cool as a cucumber. He talked me down and gave me perspective that I needed to let go of the incident.
He reminded me of two important beliefs that helped me move past the episode and forgive this individual. One of the pieces of advice he gave me was that nobody is ever cheated of hard work and perseverance. He reiterated that the blood, sweat, and tears that went into starting and now running this restaurant will not be taken for granted.
In other words, what was ours would be ours through every challenging situation. Surprisingly, he could not have been more right. A few days later, the gentleman showed up to pay. All the while, he was extremely apologetic for forgetting to pay his bill. He explained that he left in a hurry due to an emergency; however, he later remembered that he had not paid for his meal.
I was amazed and thankful that this individual returned. I also realized that my husband’s words could not have been truer. It is natural and expected to feel wronged in such instances but having faith can lead to miracles.
Something else that my husband told me is that karma was at play. Sometimes, what is not meant for us or that which does not belong to us, never stays with us for long. So, according to him, there was the possibility that the money was not meant to be ours to begin with. The cost of one meal was not going to break our bank and, maybe, that man needed a meal more than we needed the money. The entire incident reinforced the belief that what is ours finds its way to us and what is not ours finds its way to its rightful recipients.
A few days after the above situation was resolved, I discovered that a sum of money from my wallet had gone missing. I hate to use the word “stolen,” but that’s more than likely what happened. I panicked when I failed to find the money in my closet, car, or elsewhere. At the end of the unsuccessful search, I was thoroughly disappointed in myself and the person who took the money. I tried my luck one final time when I asked my husband if he’d taken the money and forgotten to mention it even though it was unlike him to do so. He hadn’t, and I didn’t know whether to be relieved or deflated. He called me right away to ask what happened. I could barely get a word in as I was crying and hyperventilating from disbelief and sadness. He was calm, collected, and logical through the whole conversation.
I am careful with money, so I felt careless and irresponsible for what occurred. The shame, guilt, and anger stayed with me until multiple conversations with my family finally sunk in.
They made a valid point that I’m only human and such things happen. Instead of crying over spilt milk, I had to find the lesson in the situation. In India, I need to learn to lock my closet and watch my belongings due to the frequent traffic at home of non-family members, including domestic help. Open and easy access to my belongings was an invitation to be robbed.
My husband also reiterated that the person who took the money needed it more than us. We live in a country where poverty and the need for basic necessities is rampant, so we had to accept that the money landed into the right hands.
Although I have my suspicions, I will never know who took my money. Additionally, I’ll never get it back. For now, I’m on guard making sure to keep my belongings under lock and key. I don’t treat the person I suspect any differently, because I have chosen to take full responsibility for what happened. All I can do is move forward, be wiser, and forgiving.
Any situation pertaining to money is tricky. We all chase money, but anything to do with money can get ugly quickly. When it comes to money or feeling cheated, remember what is worth fighting for and what to let go. After all, no amount of money is a replacement for your mental sanity and wellbeing.
As always, I am here to support you all the way, my brave soul. I hope you keep in touch with your stories, thoughts, and feedback. If you wish to learn more, please stop by www.imperfectbodies.com. Lastly, if you enjoyed this information, then please share it with others.
My guide to creating your vision available here: https://fierce-originator-1156.ck.page/fb87324085
Check out this week’s wellness video content on YouTube: Weight Loss and the Weighing Scale
All the best,
Chaitni