So many of us have dreams and goals that go unchallenged and unfinished simply because we are afraid of what will happen if we place action to our thoughts. We get in the way of our own dreams and aspirations because of fear and hesitation. If we really wanted to, we could make the time to work on the book we are writing, the painting that we want to create, the scarf we have to finish knitting before the weather gets too cold…truthfully, we could make the time for all of those little things that we want to do. Many times it’s because we put other priorities ahead of ourselves, which is a whole other topic. But sometimes it’s because we are afraid to succeed. If we finish the book, maybe it will be good and someone will want to publish it. If we paint that masterpiece, maybe it will be purchased to hang in a museum and you’ll get a commission to do six more. If you finish the scarf, someone out shopping one day will see you wearing it and ask where you got that fabulous accessory.
We get in our way so often, that we kill our own dreams. Lao Tzu said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Amazing! Get out of your own way and let what will happen, happen! Letting go of all of the mundane labels that define and restrict us. I work in an office, what do I know about composing a great symphony? We talk ourselves out of our own dreams because we feel obligated to do other things. The concept of becoming what we might be is intriguing – it encourages us to think of ourselves without limits, borders or boundaries. What COULD I become if I just let it happen? Think about it…
It comes down to being bold enough to allow our dreams to come true. Any why shouldn’t they? The Chinese word for “bold” is “kan.” The kanji is made up of two symbols – the symbol for “bear” and the symbol for “stick.” It takes a lot of guts to poke a bear with a stick (no, seriously, that’s what the symbol means). Boldness is something that everyone can do. It’s about reaching down into your personal power, allowing yourself to exert energy on yourself…and not limiting the possible outcomes.
We do not have to settle. We do not have to be “C” students. Go for the gold! Reach for those dreams…and action them! Have some boldness in your actions…poke a bear or two. The only person who stops you from going after your dreams, ultimately, is you!
Namaste,
~J
