Even though life seems to always be full of uncertainty, we
are called to keep putting one foot in front of the other and to get more and
more creative in designing the days we want to be living. Fear and uncertainty
arise at such times, pushing us to the edge of our comfort zone. When we face
the fear and move through it, we strengthen our courage muscle and are carried into
life-enhancing new territory, both inside and out.
By exploring our fears we get to know where our resistance
lies and, in a compassionate way, we can choose to move forward despite those
fears. Anything worth doing often contains a drop of fear, as well as
excitement, hope, and the possibility of fulfilling a deep yearning in our
hearts.
Here we are at the doorway to a new beginning, with only our
imaginations to limit us. What is the dream of your life? What goal have you
been putting off, to pursue at a “better” time? Last month, my family and I got
certified in live aboard cruising, which takes us one step closer to one of our
dream/goals of cruising the coasts of the world aboard a sailboat. What is it
you want to do before it’s too late that would enhance your life? Are you
willing to take a step this year that takes you closer to making it a reality?
“Death is certain, the timing of which is uncertain,
So what are the important things?”
Pema Chodron
Can you dare to approach this next year as though it could
be your last? How would that change the way you spend it? It might be changing
your job or career to one that would be more fulfilling. It might be spending
your free time in ways that bring more healthy satisfaction. It might be taking
those voice, guitar, piano or dance lessons you didn’t get when you were a
child, but longed for.
How would you change your relationships? It might be you
spend more time with those who support and love and encourage you and less time
with those people who drain you of your energy. It might be you communicate
more often and honestly with your partner about what really matters to both of
you: your needs, wants, desires, fears, hurts, longings, dreams.
How would it change the amount of time you spend doing
things of little consequence, like saying yes, when you desperately want to say
no? It might be you pause before you
answer a request to commit your time to a project, giving yourself the time to
consider the value this project brings to your life and what you are willing to
give up in order to do this project.
What would you finally allow yourself to do and/or who would
you finally allow yourself to be if you had this sense of urgency in your life?
It might be you allow yourself to go on that vacation you have dreamed of,
being carefree and adventurous. It might be you start that home-based business,
becoming more assertive and focused on getting it successfully off the ground.
It might be you buy that bike and join the local riders, becoming a fun-filled
rider on the country roads of Vermont.
What gifts are you denying that the giving of which would enhance your world and that of others? Whether you have been blessed with the ability to awaken beautiful emotions in others through a work of art or to bring ease through your inventions or good ideas, or to inspire compassion or soothe hurt in another, we need and want your offering. So make this the year that you step out, share the light of who you are with the world and have the best year ever!
