Alice couldn’t help but laughing, as she said, “I don’t want you to hire me – and I don’t care for jam.”

“It’s very good jam,” said the Queen.

“Well, I don’t want any today, at any rate.”

“You couldn’t have it if you did want it,” the Queen said. “The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday – but never jam today.”

When the White Queen makes her outrageous statement that jam is for tomorrow and for yesterday but never for today, Alice realizes that no one is ever going to get any jam!

Well, it is likely someone may be making promises that sound like there is plenty on offer, when in fact it is extremely unlikely they will ever deliver and come through with all the wonderful things they are attracting you with. Someone is claiming they can do a lot of good for you, but whether they are offering a pay raise, a good time or a commitment, it is never to be. The promise is never ever delivered or enjoyed today. They exist on promises of a better future and the memories of a wonderful past, but they will never make good on their promises when it most counts – and that is today. Fortunately, Alice is not at all attracted by the offerings of the White Queen. She literally does not want the jam, so she cannot be manipulated. But, those who do want the jam could be forever living in the hope that one day they’ll get the jam. The fact is, this will never, ever happen.

Listen to the person making you some rather wonderful promises or boasting about how much they can offer others. When will they deliver? Are they always talking about the past and planning for a wonderful future, but struggling in the present? If so, it is best to be like Alice and have no desire for the promises which will never be fulfilled.

Words are plentiful, but deeds are few. Thinking that the past and the future are better that the present. Being attracted by promises of good times and abundance that may never be kept. Boasting of plenty, but never enjoying it in the moment. Manipulation and withholding. Demand results in the present and work toward satisfying your desires yourself. Don’t buy what they are selling!

~ the Alice Wonderland oracle by Lucy Cavendish