“Answer quickly, free or not?” I asked.

“Free, but I just went grocery shopping and bled money” she responded with a laugh.

I paused for a moment and then listened to the voice inside of me and kept driving. Not. Not free. I wanted to pay.

“What were you asking about?” she inquired. 

“Well, there is a bunch of free parking about a half mile from the ocean. I could park there and not have to pay. I am here to walk on the ocean and clearly the walk won’t bother me. The issue is that it feels like investing in myself. I am here not only for personal growth but also for some professional growth. I have carved out this time because I needed to do some deep work and I know that the ocean will support that. So, it isn’t about the money but it is about the concept that I am worth spending money on. I am worth investing in.” I answered as I drove toward the ocean parking, having made up my mind. 

“Oh, well definitely pay for the parking when you say it like that” she responded. 

I turned the corner and started laughing. It was a Saturday at almost noon and they should be charging for parking but there was no attendant. 

I hear you universe……. I hear you!