Dream Big and Execute!

I have lots of exploratory meetings with artists, entrepreneurs and people who have great ideas. I get excited about their passion and can often get onboard with their ideas. I see where it could potentially be successful, but there is a gap. The funding and access gap. My circle has been struggling artists. In this economy even the ones who are practicing their art professionally and getting paid for it are struggling.

In the last few weeks I’ve been given access to the other half. You know, the half that has funding and access to decision makers. How I got there is a whole lot of good Karma and blessings.  Seriously a case of being in the right place at the right time. Now it’s time for me to dream big. I’m often heard coaching my friends to think about what the perfect scenario would be and to go for it! It’s can be intimidating if you are not used to thinking like that.

It’s my turn to figure out what I want my business and projects to look like and execute on it. I think most of us ruminate about what we would do IF…Well, I believe I am at IF! I’m finding it scary and exhilarating. That doesn’t mean I’m going to back down, at least not consciously. I do realize that my subconscious can, and often wages war against my success.  I need to write out these next words so my mind will get out of its own way.

I now accept and appreciate the abundant life the Universe offers me  - Louise Hay.

Breathing Through Fear

My friend called me this morning full of fear. She got some AMAZING news and a huge door opened for her. She said she thought she might pee herself. Yup, that’s a big old dose of fear. It’s ironic. We ask for things, actually most times we beg and pray for them. Once they begin to happen many of us have one foot out the door, heading in the opposite direction. Success is scary. Achieving your wildest dreams can be terrifying.

On a much smaller scale, today I am facing one of my fears. I couldn’t sleep last night and spent the morning with my stomach tied in knots. It’s hard for me to clearly express what’s going on. Maybe that’s why I’m having the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. As my friend and I spoke this morning I coached her on breathing through the fear. People that tell you not to be afraid, clearly don’t recall what it feels like to be afraid.

When you are scared, there is no switch to turn it on and off. What you can do is breathe, and know that eventually the sensations will pass. It’s that “eventually” that’s the problem. Sitting in the puddle of anxiety can be debilitating.  When I’m there I pick up coping mechanisms that don’t serve my interests. Sometimes it’s eating when I’m not hungry, it could be mindless internet surfing and when dealing with people it can look like me shutting down.

I’m learning that fear is just an obstacle put up to see how badly I want something.  There have been many occasions when I have turned around at the first sign of that hurdle. Now that I know that I can be scared and do something anyway, I just try to breathe through my fear. If you ever see me standing around like a deer in headlights, it might just be that I am breathing and trying to adjust so I can jump that next hurdle.

 

You Know You’re a Chicken When…

Ever want something really badly, but get paralyzed in the process of making it happen? Then you might be a chicken. Not sure what that looks like? Could be something like this:

1. You see what you want, but you won’t go after it.
2. Someone offers you what you want, yet you politely turn it down.
3. Just the thought of taking a step in the direction of said goal, sends chills down your spine.

You know you’re a chicken if any of those ring true. Guess what? I’m a chicken. There’s no shame in admitting that fear gets the best of you. Like Captain Planet used to say (ok, so I’m dating myself), “…and knowing is half the battle.” If you are aware of your challenges, then you have a chance to address them.  I’m a chicken through and through, so I often like ignoring my fears until they are right up in my face.

Fortunately or unfortunately for me, I’m blessed to have empowered friends that challenge me to be a better woman.  The discussions are uncomfortable  - and on my part there is a whole lot of squirming, but in the end I can see the prize.  I want to live the life of my dreams, but I’m often too afraid to go after it.  When that happens, I take a deep breath and jump in. It might be a tiny jump, but it’s always forward moving.

If you’re scared find a friend to give you that loving push. Just make sure they have your best interest at heart.