It is definitely time for change. You can feel it in the air. This recession is living proof.
Lucky for me, I hit my own recession/depression about a year ago, giving me plenty of time to gather strength for what is happening now. Yes, I did say lucky. Ignoring my intuition, dreams and creative abilities in favor of a steady $24/hour paycheck in a soul-sucking workplace landed me in the dumps, which led to a powerful breakthrough. I am lucky because it happened then. Had it happened now, I don’t know if I would have had the courage to break loose and follow my dreams. That is, using my skills and abilities in ways that are for the best possible good of me and everyone else involved.
The path I chose led to writing a book called 101 Reasons to be Yourself, encouraging positive change. I also became a business broker, a career I’d flirted with fourteen years ago. I want a positive world, where people can live their dreams and pursue their goals, moving forward and blazing new trails. I am a pragmatist and analyst with a mind for business, looking for ways to increase value and profit. In essence, I like to follow my dreams and I like to help people discover and follow their own. Working for a huge bureaucracy as a member of an equally huge union was not the answer. My choice was Valium or stress leave and I chose to leave, recover and move on to a better life.
In retrospect, perhaps I should have taken the Valium prescription and forged ahead in order to put some money in the bank. However; if I had, would I have written a book? Would I have entered this new, promising career? Would I be writing this article today? This article is not intended to spur you on to quit your job; it is intended to spur you on to think about possibilities. The intention is to comfort you, remind you that it is perfectly normal to have a rough time now and then and to encourage you to take the time to reflect, to ponder, to dream and to discover what you truly want. Discover what you want, then go out and get it. The intention is to remind you that you are so much more than what you see today.
It has been said that no one can wish for something more than what they are capable of achieving. This means that you can have what you want if you are willing to follow the path to it. It means that if you dream of being a rock star or an actor or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and you see yourself living that life, it is within your grasp. Your job is to become the person befitting the dream.
On January 20th, watching Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony, I felt as though a weight was lifted from North America and perhaps the world. There was a noticeable shift in the air of a positive nature, a sense of relief. I felt it here, in my house, in western Canada, watching CNN on the internet. I noticed a change in my clients when I made my calls after the ceremony. The power of the positive attitude of the crowds in Washington must have been truly amazing that day.
The crucial concept to understand in this shift is that we are all responsible for what happens next. Our choices determine the future. It is not Obama’s job to baby-sit us and fix the problems. It is our job to focus on that which is best for each and every one of us, to develop our skills and abilities for ourselves so that we have more to give, to live in the pursuit of our dreams so that we can inspire and help others in their own dreams. It is up to us to take responsibility for our own prosperity.
After all, what are we made of? Energy. We all have the ability to shift our energy to positive aspirations, which in turn affects the energy of those around us. Every single person and thing on the planet is a force of energy.
Have you ever felt alive, at peace and happy? In tune with the energy of this wonderful universe? If so, remember that feeling and keep it in your mind as you set your goals for your bright future. If not, seek it out. It is everywhere, once you know it. I found it by the lake, down the road from my childhood home; in the stars, no matter where I lived; looking out on the ocean; in the north, living in the woods with a view of the wilderness. It is everywhere, if you are willing to find it. Even in a cramped apartment in a busy city. Look to the stars, or simply close your eyes and dream. Be still. See beauty. Feel hope. Appreciate the good things in life. Seek more. It will come.
The first step is to ask for what you want. The second is to truly believe that it is yours. The third is to receive it. Just listen to your intuition – it will guide you in doing what must be done to get there. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. There is nothing to doubt but doubt itself.
You have everything you need to create a new path. Believe that, and appreciate it, then start moving.
2009 Heather Loewen
Heather Loewen is the author of the book and blog, "101 Reasons to be Yourself" (101reasonstobe.com), notes of encouragement on positive change and creative living. She is also the creator of the online course in following your dreams, 'No Regrets 101', and 'Cash Control 101'.