I spent much of Friday in Hamden with a dear friend. While we had planned to spend time together, that particular location happened organically. Originally, we were thinking of choosing a place to meet for lunch that was near her work; but then, surprisingly, she took the day off. This friend works six days every week, so I was very excited when I learned we would have more time together than I originally understood.

Since this was originally a lunch date, we decided to meet at a restaurant. There are a number of fine establishments in Hamden, so we had a happy discussion as we debated where to eat. Ultimately, my friend decided on our destination. After we settled on a time, our plans were solid.

I made it to the restaurant before my friend did. When I told the host that I needed a table for two, he stated that he would be happy to give me a table when the remainder of my party arrived. Hmmm. Okay, I understand not seating one person out of a four-person party, or two people out of a five-person party...but not seating one person out of a two-person party is on the ridiculous side. Since there will only be one additional seat at the table, there is no way that the restaurant is losing anything.

When my friend arrived, the host seated us at a table. The new location made me aware that it was somewhat chilly in the main portion of the restaurant. After several minutes, I realized that I needed to put on my coat. (Is this any way to save money?)

Sadly, my entree contained very little of what I had asked for. Because I am aware that the kitchen staff is, if you will forgive the quote, made out of people, I don't expect perfection. But this overall situation might have been less disappointing if the server, who could have helped us fix these problems, had not been so scarce that I felt she was avoiding us.

Why have I told you this tale of woe?

I told you this story because there are lessons in it.

When we don't get what we want, we can come away from the experience clutching our dissatisfaction to our bosoms. That's one option. For the majority of us, at some point in our lives, it is a fallback position. (We can get stuck in this place until one of two things happens: First, we learn that there is a different option; and secondly, we decide that we want it for ourselves.)

One of the other major things that can happen when we don't get what we want is that we can look at what happened and mine some goodness from it.

So what is good about not getting anything you've asked for?

Well, there is a service issue. As a provider of personal services, I like to pay attention to the way I feel when I've received a service. It always gives me something to think about regarding ways that I can offer something better.

There is also an opportunity for me to consider ways that I might approach the people who can make the situation better. Do I find them approachable? Do I hesitate? If I do hesitate, is it because of something foreboding that is happening as part of the situation, or because of my own reticence?

And of course, there is also the opportunity to consider how what we got is better than what we might have asked for.

I have come to believe that it is always better when I look for more possibilities.

When I do intuitive work, I offer the answers to questions. But there are always blind ends when the people who are involved with an issue come up with the questions themselves. We humans can't see around corners, after all. All we can do is approach the situation from the place where we have arrived organically. Our emotional involvement causes us to see unclearly, which ensures that we can't see the whole picture.

In that case--in every case--my job is to look for the most complete information that there is. I look for, and examine, all of the possibilities, even if my client can't or won't bear to do so. I am a compassionate, but ultimately impartial, observer. By approaching every question with a manner that lets the end result be okay no matter what it is, I can find the most information.

And that is wherein I can create the most advantages for you, my client. I may be an impartial observer when I'm seeking psychic information, but I am always thinking of how to glean the best and highest results for you. That almost always means that you go home with homework assignments. These will help you to develop your mindful awareness, and take more responsibility in your own life. Often, people find that they have more clarity as a result.

Ultimately, we can always ask ourselves the question: How might this unexpected outcome empower me?

Take the time to meditate on the question. The answer might surprise you.

What do you do when you don't receive what you have asked for?