I’ve always been a bit superstitious, so much so that I don’t ever condone new shoes on tables or open umbrellas inside.

On the flipside, I believe that the universe gives us what we need. Earlier this year when we were without a new home I ventured into the backyard with a list and I called out to the sky and requested floorboards, a garage, in-built wardrobes and big windows. I also asked for a dishwasher but apparently I need to hand wash dishes for the foreseeable future; I’m yet to find the lesson amongst the suds.

Call it new-age hippy talk or yogic philosophy but I’m a firm believer in positive mantras, visualisations and asking for what I need. But taking what I need? That’s new to me and yet it’s come at just the right time.

We had been in Bali for just over a week when I felt confident enough to leave the children with a babysitter. We only ever have the kids babysat by family or very close friends when we’re home so entrusting a babysitter with limited English who we’ve only just met requires a certain amount of letting go.

But I did it and Daniel and I headed off on the scooter to explore Ubud (the only way to see Ubud, if you ask me). In true Bali style it was hot and humid and as we snaked our way through the one-way streets I noticed clouds building overhead. We were there at the start of the wet season which, in the tropics, means glorious, sometimes terrifying downpours. So much rain in so little time!

One of our favourite cafes was calling so we headed to the other side of town, parked the scooter and ventured inside. Just before we climbed the stairs we noticed a sign that asked us to take what we need. And there we stood, contemplating. I didn’t think too hard about it; I knew exactly what I needed. So I reached for courage, tore it away and tucked it into my wallet.

Twenty minutes later the clouds let go and we sat and watched the monsoonal rain; big drops of tropical water that we loud and heavy and dramatic. And the whole time I was thinking of the kids and the fact that we needed to get back to them. On a scooter. On flooded streets. With absolutely no wet weather gear.

Oh, courage.

Daniel ducked across the road and came back with two lime green ponchos and we went on our merry, wet way. Two green frogs on a scooter in the rain; a sight that amused the staff at our villa.

I’m not a courageous person in any sense of the word. In fact, in most cases, I err on the side of caution and fear. It’s something I want to change, too. I’m just a bit sick of being fearful and having said fear hamper my decision making. It doesn’t inspire or motivate and therefore, it’s time to let it go.

But instead of focussing on what I’m letting go of, I’m choosing to think of that little piece of paper, c o u r a g e, and taking what I need.

What do you need?