By Debbie Friedman

“You CAN have what you want, you know.”

Oh, how I love my friend CJ! He’s such a gift and a blessing. I had been running around for days trying to find a copy of the original “Layla” by Eric Clapton. Forget trying to find a copy of it on audiocassette in Los Angeles. I was going to have to go to CDs, which I don’t have in my car. But I was on a hunt.

I bought a shorter version at one store. When I asked the two very young people at the front desk for information on the long version of Layla they looked at me like I was from outer space. I bought the shorter version to walk out with some semblance of maturity and composure in my 50-year old body. I felt so incredibly old.

The short version was totally unsatisfying to me. I was thirsty for the original – the entire, long experience to savor. This urge – this craving – came on me when I went into a music store to buy recording equipment that I needed. Layla was playing on the store sound system and I found myself so joyful and playful. Hearing the song brought back such wonderful memories I felt like breaking out in a dance right then and there.

Our memories can be powerfully triggered by familiar songs – in this case a reminder of one of the best times of my life. I tried to explain this to a man who was checking out and he just didn’t get it. Actually, I told him that Layla was the bride and groom dance song at my first wedding. The guy just looked at me and told me that probably was why we weren’t married

anymore, even with a small smile that showed me he was thinking of a special time, too. Not true! We had a great party and a fabulous wedding!!!

I had to call my ex-sister-in-law, the sister of the man I’d married, to ask the title of the album for the original song. I vaguely remembered it was a Derek and the Dominoes gem, but couldn’t place the title. She laughed when she told me the album was – are you ready? – Layla. Go figure.

After the shorter, unfulfilling version, I went out to another record store and could only find the newer version. Not the same. I was on my cell phone driving home and shared all of this with my friend CJ, who listens to me through my sorting out the pieces of life and never fails to offer incredibly inspired guidance.

“You CAN have what you want, you know.” He told me I didn’t have to settle for less than anything in my life. He assured me that if I wanted the original version, I could absolutely have it. Then, he suggested I go to a store and get it. He even told me the store that he thought would carry it, even though he lives 300 miles away.

As soon as I hung up with CJ, I called the store and – yes! – they had what I wanted. I went to pick it up and played it on repeat for hours that day. It was glorious. I danced and laughed and got in touch with a part of me that was still 20 years old inside.

More important, I felt absolutely blessed to have a wonderful friend who tells me the truth, who reminds me of my greatness, who encourages me not to settle. God knows I’ve done that enough in my life.

It’s important to remember that you CAN have what you want in life if you choose to see that option and are willing to take the actions.

Be grateful that you have the choice and, remember, YOU deserve it!

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