We spend our whole life making decisions. We think long and hard about some of them, but how much time do we spend thinking about how we make decisions that we do and whether we really are in control?
– Casper Berry.
Have you ever thought about why we hold ourselves back from taking action on things we know will be good for us? Many of us have not even taken the time to think about this. We can be so busy just doing, we forget to reflect on our decisions. For example, the actions can be to eat better, exercise, and walk in nature. Too often we do not want to take these actions. We experience negative self-talk convincing us of the reasons why we should not take action. Next time you are going through this experience, think to yourself, I am quick to take action on the things that do not serve me. Why is this?
Maybe because they are readily available. We find it easier to take action on things we are used to doing. This is part of being in your comfort zone. If you want to create change, you have to break out of doing things that bring you comfort. In order to grow, you have to be committed to changing your mindset. Take each day as it comes and make it your goal to become more and more aware each and every day.
This can be a scary experience. When I was first presented with the opportunity to live and work abroad in the Czech Republic, I did not think about it in such vast detail, as I know I could have thought my way out of such an opportunity. I could have let my thoughts and fears override my mind and stop me from taking action. I stepped out of my comfort zone in such a huge way. When you take massive action, there is so much opportunity for growth. Sometimes you just have to step out of what is familiar to you and change your environment and everything that you are used to. This is where you grow.
I have learnt so much about myself. If I did not take action on this decision, I would still be stuck. I would have kept myself from experiencing new things. I got to face new challenges that I would not have faced if I had not made the move. When you travel and witness how other people live differently from how you live, you realise that there is no such thing as “normal.” Too often in society, we are told that we have to be normal or we are being abnormal. The truth is, as humans, we all have our own definition of what normal is. Society and the media have their definition, and they expect us to live up to their idea of normality. It is time to step into who you truly are.
The world is waiting for the gifts you have within you to share. Be your unique self. Do not live to please society or anyone else. If you do this, you will be neglecting your true self. We live in a world that is always trying to tell us who we are, always trying to change and conform us. You will discover that it is liberating to be your unique self and stand fully in the expression of who you truly are.
Who are you holding yourself back from becoming? Often, we are fearful of what we can become when we achieve. The quote from Marianne Williamson extracted from her book, ‘A Return to Love’ comes to mind;
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
The universe is invested in your enlightenment and your ability to become the best version of yourself. Live your life on purpose with meaning and empowering others. Next time you see that you are holding yourself back from taking a positive action, remember to reframe and rethink. Do you want to stay stuck and experience the same things you are used to, or do you want to grow and spread your wings and experience more in your life?
The choice is yours. Once you become consciously aware of the decisions you are making, you can decide what action steps you wish to take. Ask yourself, will this action step inspire me to become more, or will it hold you back?
Katrina Calvin
