Many of us have a deep internal struggle that decides other people are the ones naturally destined to be great. They have the "genetic predisposition" to be amazing, we tell ourselves to take the sting away from our perceived inadequacies.
Ironically, when we turn this inquiry of natural greatness towards ourselves we typically balk. We’ll instantly think of any number of reasons that we are unworthy of becoming an even brighter, more expanded version of ourselves.
The truth is no one has an edge on anyone else. We are all equally amazing. We all have unique talents destined to be cultivated and shared.
We all have the right "stuff."
I know what you're thinking... No. No. No. You don't understand, Joanna. You don't know my story. Then, you would proceed to give me a BIG list of reasons why you are not worthy of your own talents.
Am I right?
The list would most likely include the old standards like:
I'm too old. I'm too young.
I don't have enough education.
I’m over-educated.
I don't have enough money.
I don't have enough time.
What will people think?
What if I fail?
What if no one likes my creations?
What about my kids?
What about my spouse?
I don't have creativity.
I don't have natural talents.
And on.. and on... the record of excuses plays.
Are you tired of sounding like a broken record stuck on the same track? Are you even aware of the looping cycle of excuses that keep you stuck in a life that deep down you long to change?
If you feel yourself saying Yes, then I have good news for you.
The question then becomes…
What would you do differently if you stopped putting off your life?
By answering this inquiry truthfully and with full integrity it sets you on the right path for looking more closely at the questions: If not you, then who? If not now, then when?
So often we simply scare ourselves silly with these questions. This happens because we think too big, too expansively right away and we’re frightened right back into the predictability of our life.
The Cure and Remedy
Taking the necessary small steps to move you in the direction of your dreams summons boldness. It's what you start now. Today. That’s what truly matters.
Will you have any idea where it will lead you? No, of course not.
Enter up anyway. Instead of seeing it as scary, see it as exciting. Like an adventure story where you are the lead character.
An exercise I find helpful to help focus my thoughts and add an element of fun is Mind Mapping.
In Mind Mapping you start out with a blank piece of paper.
In the center draw a circle and write the word Fun.
Now, draw five lines or spokes off the word Fun.
Write a word, any word that comes to mind, to place in the new circle.
Remember, there will be five lines total. Next, draw five spokes off the new word with something, anything that you think of or that reminds you of that word. It might be small or big. It doesn't matter what, but it does have a meaningful relationship for you.
I'll give you a sample of what one of my circle words and five line spokes look like. Off the word Fun, I wrote Italy.
For my five lines I have:
1. Vespa scooter (I really want to drive one over there…vroom, vroom)
2. Caffe Latte (hello… they are delicious!)
3. Amalfi Coast (I want to explore it more--it's so breathtakingly beautiful)
4. Learn more Italian (always nice to pick up a few local words)
5. Spend Time in Tuscany (preferably at an older home that is quaint.)
As you can see, it’s quite simple. Embrace a healthy dose of joy while doing it. The purpose behind Mind Mapping is to really help focus more on what you want instead of what you don't want.
You actually feel time suspend as you begin to envision yourself living and experiencing the words. The words take on a life of their own.
Feel Like A Bonus Round?
You can take Mind Mapping one step further by drawing 2-3 spokes off the five words that are small, do-able, achievable steps in the direction of the word.
(see image above)
In my example I have Learn More Italian.
My spokes include:
1. Check out a free online language program.
2. See what the Virtual Library has for easy-to-use language programs.
3. Find/ask around about cheap or free Italian movies with English subtitles (preferably children's or young adult for easy-to-understand content.)
Again, the more achievable and bite-sized we make our movements forward the more likely we will keep ourselves accountable. Do not underestimate the power of this seemingly simple exercise. You will be happy you did it.
This is where you begin to truly take ownership of your own life and happiness. See the gift in moving consciously from A to B to C to D, instead of the spooky and highly unpredictable A to Z route. Slow and steady really does win the race.
Remember the children’s story The Tortoise and the Hare? The tortoise always wins.
Your life of adventure is waiting. Now, go for it!
With love and light,
💛
Joanna
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