It’s Time to Live Your Best Life
Break free from perceived limitations and dive in
If this dog can surf, what’s stopping you from pursuing your dreams?
I’m simultaneously enthralled by and afraid of learning to surf. I grew up near the ocean, and never attempted it. Even with surfer friends to teach me, and safe, docile waves to treat me gently, I held back. The ocean feels too big for me. My fear kept me from expanding.
Why do you keep playing small?
I’m talking to those of you who accept breadcrumbs when you could have an entire loaf of freshly baked sourdough. I’m speaking of the gnawing realization that you’re not living up to your potential. You’re not going for the gold, because the bronze is convenient. It’ll do for now.
I heard in recovery meetings early on, half measures availed us nothing. If we half-ass something, we won’t benefit. If we don’t let go absolutely and take suggested action, we might go out and get drunk.
Life is like that for a lot of us. Why are you half-measuring when you could do and have so much more? I’ve done this too long and too often. It’s about time we stop depriving ourselves.
I gave my daughter a pep talk last night.
It was clear the words I spoke were for both of us to hear. She wants to move back to Oregon to be with her best friend. She wants me to buy a house we love, instead of renting a so-so place we’d merely tolerate. Then she doubted we’d really be able to do it, lamenting that we “never have the money.”
Frankly, I’m tired of this story. We’re ready to live a full and contented life. We can choose to shift our energy and change our language to match our desires. Words have power. Let’s use them wisely.
We’re not after “kinda sorta.” You know the truth. We’re after what we envision as our ideal situation. Staying within this framework, we can all have our heart’s desire if we want it badly enough.
Why did I choose to live in poverty as a proverbial “starving writer” for all these years? Why don’t I have an excellent paying, internally rewarding job? I’m skilled and talented with plenty to offer. I could start my own business with myriad teachings and trainings. Why haven’t I dedicated as much time to writing as I have to complain?
Maybe you’ve asked yourself similar questions. What pushes us to forge into the great unknown with faith and determination?
When we take the great leap, there’s no turning back to the land of half measures.
You deserve happiness, contentment, health, and wealth. Prosperity takes many forms, so it may not translate to money. You’ll find that wherever you place your attention, you’ll attract the most. Don’t play small if you want big.
Some people have told us it’s not ok to want big things. I call bullshit. It’s an old belief they heard from their elders and passed onto you. Let go of the old story, and see how you’ve unnecessarily shortchanged yourself.
You’ll need to get rid of your shitty committee in your head first. The shitty committee are the voices saying you can’t do certain things because of _____. It’s time to stop that perpetual nonsense right now.
Once you’ve dropped the constricting self-talk, you’ll have opened up a space for organically grown optimism for the present and future. Next, you’ll need to take actions you kept saying you would do but haven’t, until now. In essence, face your fears. It’s time to invite greatness into your life in whatever way you want to manifest it. It means you stop listening to the doubts and fears.
Refocus your attention on the massive abundance you already have surrounding you every day.
It’ll start shifting your awareness. Once you’re grateful and living in abundance in your mind, your reality will change.
Abundance is everywhere. Things you might consider “bad” can be blessings in disguise. Change your perspective, and you’ll see opportunities often come from hardships.
If I feel helpless or hopeless, I make a concerted effort to remember the little and big things that are going well. I might focus on being grateful for my breath, food in my fridge, and having shelter. Although the outside circumstances won’t immediately disappear, I’ll manage to move through the challenge.
If you’re always paying attention to problems, you’ll find a lot more of them. Conversely, look for the good, and you’ll expand the goodness in your life.
Why do we only accept a little bit of that goodness?
Why not embrace everything we could wish for? I’m sure you can answer for yourself. If you’re anything like me, you’re aware of your need to change your attitude to shape your perception of the outside world. You know you can choose differently.
You might be afraid of success because you have low self-worth. You’ll need to address it before you can move fully into your light. Talk with a trusted friend, seek therapy, and speak affirmations. If you have even an iota of trust in yourself, you’ll pursue a method of self-care.
I was addicted to drugs and alcohol for over 15 years. It wasn’t easy, but it was simple. I’ve stayed sober for over 17 years now. How did I do it? I started at step one, I was powerless over substances, that my life had become unmanageable. I decided to ask for help and take contrary action.
A lot of people congratulate me on staying sober. Yes, I did some work. But I credit a higher source and other people who helped support me along the way.
You can choose to accept everything and everyone available to you. You have amazing humans and a spirit team to guide and direct you toward your greatness. If you’re unsure of your ability to move forward and take chances, ask for help with clearing a path.
Final thoughts
It’s time to stop playing small. Imagine yourself bathed by golden light and endless possibilities. Don’t accept breadcrumbs. You deserve to indulge in the whole delicious loaf. Have the whole enchilada instead of picking at the rice. You get the point.
If you’re tired of scratching at the door of success, get up and turn the knob. Then walk inside. You’ll be delighted by what you find, everything you want is waiting for you there.
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