I attended a Women's Leadership Conference today. What a wonderful, successful day it was! I was surrounded by women whose knowledge and experience affirmed for me that doing what you love in life, what you are passionate about, will lead you to fulfillment. There was nothing exceptionally new being said but the message resonated with me in a new way and called me to action. We talked a lot about facing our fears, not letting fears stop us, and believing in ourselves. Following your passion, your bliss, carried throughout the conversations and presentations. I was awake, fully awake, as I have not been for a long time, if ever, in my life. All the self-help books, websites, magazines, blogs I have ever read came into clear focus as if someone drew aside a curtain and allowed me to look into my life for the first time. In just a few hours I went from excuses and restraint to releasing my fears so that I can embrace my dreams.
I can't tell you that any one specific moment or phrase or person made this happen. It was more that my affirmation at the beginning of the day for the right people and messages come into my life to reveal the direction I should take. It happened with each person and conversation and presentation. It was also that I was finally ready to hear the messages and to raise myself out of my place of self-doubt and worry. You see, I have held a long list of "reasons" why things are not turning out as I desire. I have an even longer list of "reasons" of why I should not do things. But on this day, November 5th, 2010 I looked into the mirror to see the reflection of the one and only person who can change that version of my life - me. And the fundamental truth that rang out like a bell calling me to my inner wisdom was that the fear of failure can only hold you back if you allow it. Fear is simply something that resides in our minds and failure is nothing more than a lesson on the path to success; it can even be the reason for our success if we learn from it.
If today you are struggling with how to move forward in your life I understand how you feel. I have been there. It's my story too. My advice is that you keep moving forward, one day, one step at a time. Face your fears, stare them down. Find mentors who believe in you. Be uplifted by the shared experiences of those you know and those you meet. Encouragement will show up when you need it and life will support you and give you courage - no matter what. Simply lean into your passion and keep going. It's worth it!
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