Achieve Your Dreams - Step by Step (#8)

TAKING RISKS

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin (1903 - 1977)

Is there a longing in your heart to for some activity you want to do or some dream you want to achieve? What have you been waiting for? Be honest with yourself about the hesitation to act. Perhaps you fear rejection. Perhaps you fear success. Or you’re waiting until you lose the weight or have the money, or…. so many reasons for hesitating. There is always uncertainty when you make a change, but if you keep feeling that longing in your heart, it is there for a reason. Each of us has a special talent or gift to express. We are ALL special in some way. Think of it this way: it is actually selfish of you NOT to step out and share your gifts. People are waiting for YOU to be their teacher and guide. Even if you have a big dream, you can get started in some small way. The longer you suppress what you are being called to do, the less energy you feel for life.
A great book to read when you feel fear about moving forward is Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers. The title says it all! Susan says that if you are waiting for all the fear to be gone before you take action--- you will always be waiting and not acting!

In the process of blossoming from the bud to the flower, it helps to have supportive people to encourage you. Form a support group, a say yes to your dreams group. Meet in person or on the phone and share your dreams. Brainstorm on ways to move forward, and encourage each other with growth. Rejoice with each other in the triumphs and the challenges.

What is the new story you want to tell about your life? Give up the old one--- all the reasons why you can’t. Embrace a story of possibility, of joy, of living life to the fullest. There was a movie several years ago, Living Life Out Loud. Not the best movie, but one with a great message about taking risks and living life fully. It’s always a risk to go in a new direction. Will you regret it if you don’t try? Are you going to stay a bud when it’s time to blossom?

I’ve often spoken to women who are afraid that they will lose their relationship if they go for their dreams. While that could be a possibility, I suggest that they hold a different vision: “My relationship becomes even stronger as I go for my dreams!” Truly, energy and passion about something you want are very attractive!

Perhaps you need to clarify your dreams or envision them more clearly. Use the following exercise to help you in that process.

Take some quiet time by yourself. Relax and breathe. Tune into your inner self. Take your journal and spontaneously finish these statements: Wouldn’t it be fun to_______? My dream is to_______. I feel alive when I _______________. My greatest satisfaction is _______________.
I feel really in tune when___________. What scares me about going for my dream is_______. Keep writing. Let the wisdom within you emerge and guide you.

Now go for it!!