As we are learning how to stretch ourselves beyond the comfort zone, and can step more solidly into our callings, we will experience periods of doubt and fear, as well as the joy of breakthroughs. Fear and doubt will likely warn us of the danger of crossing into the unknown, the dangerous new territory. They may whisper; they may grab you and demand you listen; they may scream so loudly that the noise seems unbearable. They aren’t evil, they’re just trying to keep you safe. They just haven’t recognized that the boundaries of ‘safe’ have changed. It will be our job to remind them.

In order to keep reminding fear and doubt that the playing field has changed, we’ll need to keep encouraging ourselves. It’s wise to remember how courageous we are being, we are moving mountains, even if the mountains may seem tiny. It is important to celebrate all of our wins, to have a few trusted others to celebrate our wins with us. It’s wise to choose others who can support us and encourage our tiny steps. Sometimes those closest to us are not those people. (Darn!)

When we are changing our ways, we will be shifting the status quo, rocking the boat. This will make some people very uncomfortable, particularly those closest to us, since they’re nearest to the epicenter of our change. Even if they want the best for us, our movement will cause a ripple in their lives, too. And not everyone will be enthused about having their own world made unsteady. We’re funny creatures. In our dreams, we want to change and grow, but in the ‘real world’ change isn’t always so welcome. If we change, we unsettle others’ beliefs about us, about how to relate to us, how they can behave with us and what results they can expect. They’ve gotten used to us being a certain way – they’ve developed a comfort zone in respect to us – and a change in us is going to mean a change for them. Our relationships are like a child’s mobile…when one piece is moved, the entire mobile moves. Expect a little pushback from your loved ones, and try to ride through the waves that are created.

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I’ve always been great at envisioning wonderful things, but not so hot on the follow-through.  I’ve let lots of little things get in my way, but mostly I’ve let my own lack of clarity and certainty keep me weak, ineffective, doubting myself, and not taking action towards my vision.

When I last spoke with my spiritual director, I confessed to her something I wouldn’t want to share with everyone:  I want it all!  I want everything to change, dramatically, overnight.  But, darn it!  That’s not how it works!   Years ago, I happened upon this quote, which I believe pretty accurately decribes what I am now getting on a much deeper level…

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs. **

New perspectives (obviously) shift everything! I see this as a good omen for the new year!

** This quote has been attributed to Vance Havner and Vaclav Havel

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This is such an exciting time to be living in! The world is changing rapidly and it sure seems like there’s a big paradigm shift in the offing…or maybe it’s in process! How many of us are feeling like we are in or approaching “our time.”

I was talking this evening to someone who mentioned how safe and comforted she felt with me…like I had a “comfort aura” around me. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this, though the term “comfort aura” was new – and fun!. In the past, when I heard similar “compliments” I was always pleased, grateful that someone had seen something “special” about me, something that I had a sense was true about me. But I sure didn’t say, “yes, that’s true about me; this is quite a gift to have and to get to be sharing!” Tonight, I actually think I’m saying “Yes, this IS quite a gift to have – and I get to share it with those who want and need it!” Thank you, God!

I’m looking forward to finding out what other people are becoming willing to say “yes” to in their lives! As we all do, what kinds of amazing things might happen???

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The specter of change builds dread in most of us. We fear the effects on our personal lives. We lack faith that the impending change will benefit us. Only time can assure us of that. And it will, just as every change we’ve survived up to now has done.

Changes are gifts, really. They come as hallmarks to our present attainments. They signify successful growth. And they announce our readiness for more growth. How we struggle to understand this, and how quickly we forget it once we have adapted to the change. The struggle is then repeated the next time change visits us.

We long for permanence, believing it guarantees security, not realizing the only real security available to us comes with our trust in God…

- Each Day a New Beginning

It’s likely you’ve been affected in some way by the major changes that have taken place over the last year. Few of us have made it through unscathed. And it seems like everyone is trying to hold on for dear life, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, that seems to be one of the real problems…trying to hold on to something that’s crumbling around us. The harder we try, the more frustrated and fearful we get. And, of course, we aren’t the only ones doing this, so we’re surrounded by others’ fearful energy, too.

We have to know that things aren’t going to be going back to the “the way they were,” so we might as well prepare for the tumult that’s happening until things finally do settle again – in their new way. What do we do? How are we to ride the waves of change? If you’ve ever practiced an activity that requires balance, you know you need to work your core to maintain that balance. At first you might flail around a bit, but once you’ve found your core balance, everything begins to come together. Now’s the time we really need to be finding our core so we can ride the waves. I think of a surfer who needs to have his or her balance set, yet still be agile enough to move around on the board in order to best navigate those waves.

In life, what can you count on as your core? What are the things that you can hold firmly to? For many people some of these “basics” are faith, family, and friends. And each of us has our own personal core pieces. Once you know what your “core” consists of, you can work on improving your core strength. What are some ways you can firm up your own core to ride the wild waves of our current world?

Set aside some time today to remember the unique aspects of your core. Discover ways that work for you that will help give you the strength you need to navigate the current world situations without becoming a victim to fear, doom and gloom.

May you ride your changes with grace!

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I’ve just returned from Kendall SummerHawk’s Money, Market, and Soul Intensive.   As is so often the case, you get insights during the course, but the course may just be planting the seeds.   At least that’s the case for me, here.   I’ve been using the starter phrase “What would it be like if…”  to give myself some different perspectives.  Sometimes, I get so focused on my small thinking, it’s like I’m sticking my head down a hole.  So, I’m asking what it would be like to have the things I think I’d love to have:  What would it be like to feel 100% valuable, whole, and complete?   What would it be like to feel like a successful strategist (something I think I’m not good at)?  What would it be like to have faith in myself?

What would it be like to have faith in myself.   I was surprised about how easily the answers started flowing for that one…bottom line, I would be more of who I most want to be.  I think that’s so cool.

This is such a time of transition and this feels good.  Is this part of being a Lightworker? A cultural creative?

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