The end of the old year often warrants reflection as we prepare to say good-bye and start a new chapter. What made us proud in the previous year? What did we do that made us feel amazing? Do we have any regrets? What would we like to do differently / better in the new year?
Like many people, I spent some time thinking about these questions as I prepared to enter 2011. The biggest discovery that came out of my questioning was that I’ve been playing very small. I’ve been staying in my comfort zone in regards to my business, but ironically enough, doing so has not made me at all comfortable or gotten me the results that I seek. I long to serve more people by helping them to gain greater fulfillment in their spirituality, thereby increasing their joy and improving all areas of life exponentially. If I refuse to step up to serve on a higher level, then I’m not honoring my purpose, living authentically, or showing up 100% for my clients, and that’s unacceptable to me.
To fully embrace the vision that we desire for our lives can be a very scary process. To act on that vision and take steps to bring it into our reality can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming. And yet, the act of playing small, in any area of life, will eventually lead to unhappiness. It’s easy to tell ourselves that we don’t deserve more… more happiness, more fulfillment, more prosperity, more love, etc. But we should ask ourselves, how is my unhappiness assisting me / those I love / the world? If we are playing small in our own lives, what message does that send to those around us? How does it serve? How much more could we share / expand / accomplish if we really stepped up and acknowledged ourselves as the gorgeous, powerful, exceptional child of Spirit that we are?
Here are five strategies that I’m sharing to help myself, and all of you, stand more firmly in our power and reach higher in the coming year.
- Honor where you are now. If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant or just plain scared, acknowledge the emotions you’re experiencing and ask yourself what they can teach you? If your stuckness, fear or stagnation was a person with whom you could have a conversation, what would this emotion tell you? How is it trying to serve you? Perhaps a part of resolving the emotional upheaval you’re experiencing is to give yourself some comfort, listen to the underlying messages they have to convey to you, and find other ways to honor your feelings rather than fighting them so hard. After acknowledging them, *then* you will be better equipped to release them and step into your greater power.
- What are you saying? Your self-talk can dramatically impact your life, for better or worse. If you’re continually telling yourself that your incapable to do something, not worthy of happiness, too busy to take time for yourself or too stupid to achieve anything of worth, then there’s no way you will allow yourself to step out in faith and fulfill your potential. If you can’t think of anything positive to say to yourself, ask someone else… you may be surprised to learn just how wonderful others know you to be. Once you discover that you have many fabulous qualities to explore and share with the world, and begin reminding yourself that you truly *are* worthy, capable and willing to step up, you’ll be amazed how your life will shift for the better.
- Embrace your gifts, talents and skills 100%. Don’t know what your gifts and talents are? Ask yourself what makes your heart sing? What activities bring out your creativity and fire your passion? Often our gifts bring joy to others, so if you’re having trouble with this, you may want to ask those you love what you do that brings *them* joy, and then determine if those activities bring you happiness, as well. When you discover what your gifts are, ask yourself how you can utilize them more often, on a bigger scale or in greater ways? This will bring you fulfillment, and bring pleasure to others who have the privilege of experiencing your gifts first hand.
- Give yourself a break. If you’re having a bad day, don’t try to deny it. Learning to stand in our power is a process, and nobody can, or should, be positive and happy all the time. after all, if we were, how would we learn, grow and become better people? All emotions, situations and circumstances have lessons to teach us, if we have the commitment (and the courage) to learn them and live them. Learn from your bad days and then move forward. Or, as a friend of mine is fond of saying, “Go to the pity party, just don’t live there.”
- Ask for assistance! Life is much easier when we have loving support systems around us. Join a mastermind, find supportive friends who have been where you are and have successfully circumvented similar obstacles, and have plenty of chats with the God of your understanding. The synergy to be found in working with others can help you to shift in incredible ways.
My promise and vow to myself and to you (those I serve) is to step up and fully embrace my purpose in 2011. I commit to shining my light more brightly, sharing more often and more powerfully, and reaching further to spread more and more joy. And to do that, I’ll definitely be stepping out onto that ledge and jumping waaaay out of my comfort zone. Though it will undoubtedly be an adventure, I choose to enjoy the experience. Will you join me?
How do you intend to step up and delve further into your power in this new year? I’d love to hear about it!
Love and Joy,
Kim, the Spiritual Fulfillment Coach
