COURAGEOUS ACTS: This is Not the Time to Pull Back!
Seven years ago, I had just stepped away from being a full-time minister. I had opened an office and my coaching business. I was very clear that I was being guided but was clueless about how my life was going to look. This was a true leap of faith.
Around the same time, my husband and I, were affiliated with the Transformational Leadership Council. This organization was created by Jack Canfield. He invited speakers, teachers, authors, coaches, and healers to a group where they could be supported. This was important because every single one of these people served huge groups of people. Sometimes, I wondered what I was doing there. At this meeting, Jack invited a small group of people to come to Croatia with him on a boat. It sounded fabulous but it did not seem like the time to be investing in a trip.
One of my TLC friends, Cheryl Esposito, walked up to me and said, “You’re coming to Croatia right?” I smiled politely and explained to her that I would love to go but this was not the right time. She smiled and walked away. A few hours later she walked over to me and said, “You’re coming to Croatia, right?” Now, I am a little annoyed. I said, “Cheryl, I told you I just quit my job.” She smiled and said, “I know.” Then, she walked away.
The next day she was back again. I really wanted to be polite, but now I’m upset that she can’t hear me. “You’re coming to Croatia, right?” I must have been impolite because she just stared at me and then said, “Cynthia, this is not the time to pull back.” Those words pierced my soul. What she wasn’t saying is that my fear was dictating my future and squashing my courage. I thanked her and walked away.
I went to talk to Carl about the experience and we both were clear that, somehow, we needed to be on that trip. So, we put down a deposit and signed up. That trip turned out to be a powerful experience where friendships and support flooded in to help me build my business.
In this conversation I want to share with you some things I learned from that experience and how it might help you activate the courage within you to create the life of your dreams.
Let me say here, the fear did not go away. The “monkey mind” within me was busy. “Have you lost your mind?” “What are you thinking?” “You are setting yourself up for failure.” “You are not in the same league as these people. You are an imposter.” “What makes you think you belong here?”
The doubts were so huge that I could barely be present or even sleep. I put on my public mask to keep moving forward but it was painful. When it was time to go to Croatia, I packed all my fears and doubts in my suitcase.
The first revelation was how welcoming Jack and all the people on the boat were to us. It felt like reunion. The fun and connection began the first day. (So much for not belonging or fitting in.)
We experienced great food, laughter, and connection. We also got to spend one on one time with most of the people. We dove into great conversations and brainstorming. People were genuinely interested in what I was doing, my dreams, and my concerns. Many of them were excited about my vision, offered their support, and gave me solid business ideas. They also shared the mistakes they had made so I wouldn’t do the same. Those conversations were worth way more than the cost of the trip.
Here is the surprising part. People were asking me for support. Honoring what I do I the world and sharing how they needed a deeper spiritual connection.
I cannot tell you how much I reflected on, spoke about, and journaled how my misconceptions almost cost me the experience of a lifetime.
LESSONS TO SUCCESSFULLY MOVE FORWARD
I hope these will support you in activating your courage and boldly stepping forward into the life that is waiting for you:
Face the Fears – If you have a dream and you are not afraid, the dream is too small. You are afraid because you are being asked to step into the unknown – the void.
Failure is not an option – Even if the idea or project doesn’t succeed, this is not a failure. This is an opportunity to learn and grow. Get conscious about what worked and what didn’t. What do you need to do differently to create a more powerful experience and success?
Let Go – Your past does not define you. Neither does the opinions of others based on their experience. Their journey is not yours. You are a co-creator with the divine. Within you is a dynamic intuitive knowing. Trusting it is the only issue.
Make up a new story – The story that you are a victim, incapable, unworthy, or flawed is rubbish. Why would God/the universe/the divine breathe life into trash. Really? That old story comes from places and people that have no idea who you are. Create a new inner and outer dialogue that reveals the magnificent you.
Activate magic – Hey, we live in a mystical, magical universe. There are so many possibilities that we could not access them in one lifetime. So, why not invite in the mystery. Ask the universe to show you, in tangible ways, how the magic of life is right at your fingertips. Then, open your eyes to how it all shows up.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR ENHANCING COURAGE
We just completed our Women Creating Our Futures Conference. The theme was “Courage to Change.” Here are some steps that got shared with the ladies in multiple ways.
- Feel the fears and move anyway
- Set a powerful vision
- Write down your intention and goals
- Call in powerful people to support you
- Become okay with being uncomfortable in transition
- Expand your spiritual practice
- Invest in you and your future
- Stand in an expectancy of goodness
What I learned from the story I just shared is that I never have to pull back my energy, dreams, or desires. I never have to allow my fears to dictate my reality. There is no other me. We are all unique and there is support around every corner.
That is what I tell my clients, the community of women I serve, and people close to me.
I believe the same is true for you. You are spectacular and if a dream lives in you, there is a delivery system and support to bring it to manifest form. Please reach out if you need support.
Be bold beloved. Be brave. The universe has your back.
Much love and light,
Cynthia
