Recently, I was having a conversation with a new friend. We were talking about our shared feeling that 2013 is going to be an incredible year. It was exciting to talk about how very intentional we are about bringing our gifts forward to make a difference in this world. After a few minutes of conversation, she said, “Isn’t it crazy that people often only have these conversations and high intentions at the beginning of the new year?”
For many days after that conversation, I was really moved into a place of contemplative thought and meditation. I began to wonder, “What stops us from being this clear all year round?”
Finally, the realization came to me that it’s human nature to talk about success without the follow-through. We converse, complain, chat, dream and postulate about our amazing futures — without taking action. If we are really going to heal and grow this year, we must take initiative.
There is something about beginning a task that really can frighten people or bring them into a state of doubt. Sometimes it is about fear of failing, but I really believe that oftentimes the fulfillment of a dream or vision is daunting because it is large and powerful. It is very easy to become overwhelmed when you ‘catch’ the vision that you actually are a beneficial presence and here to do great things. The wonderful Marianne Williamson quote from A Return To Love seems appropriate here:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves: ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.”
I have discovered that the easiest way to move beyond that kind of fear is to just start! If you are a writer, write something every day. If you are a teacher, teach. If you are a painter, start painting. Stop worrying about finding the perfect time and place, or about the potential reaction to what you will bring into form. You will only fail if you don’t take the time to create and share. It is not about making money or being perfect or famous. You are here to shine your beautiful light for the world to see.
Please affirm with me: Today, I will start! I will spend some time doing what I love and sharing it with others. By beginning, I will seed the universe with my commitment to manifesting a powerful life.
