A (K)new year and a (K)new you starts by getting off your "But"
By Enid Dufresne
What is it that is holding you back from living the life of your dreams? Could it be possible that you have a practice in the art of "But"? You know the ones, "but, I don't have the money"; "but, I don't know the right people"; "but, I'm too fat"; "but, I'm too old/young". The list of "Buts" can go on and on. If you are currently carrying the weight of years of "buts" you may be experiencing a discouraging outcome of lack in all areas of your life. The higher you climb, the lighter your load must become or eventually the weight you are carrying will prevent you from reaching the top. I maintain that you don't have to continue carrying the load of 'buts' and all of their cousins named 'could have', 'should have' and 'someday I will'. If your grander possibilities are to come alive in 2009, you've got to get rid of the 'buts'.
Follow these five steps to get off your 'but'.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT
Be firm in your decision to have it. Place reminders all around you that will keep you focused on the decision you have made. This includes surrounding yourself with people who support you in the goals you have set for yourself. More importantly, support yourself by making choices that will get you where you want to go.
BE RECEPTIVE AND OPEN
There are a number of ways that the possibility you are creating for yourself can come true. I encourage you to get a big dream. On a sheet of paper, list the many ways that your goal or possibility can be realised. It doesn't matter how outrageous or far-fetched the ideas appear; write them down. This simple exercise pulls your ideas from the invisible realm of thought and solidify the idea into written form.
BE ENCOURAGED
Encourage yourself by reviewing your written list every day. Instead of focusing on what may not happen or reverting to your 'but', think of one thing on your list that you can begin to act on today. Encourage yourself by looking at what you have already accomplished, no matter how small that accomplishment appears to be. Remember the proverb by Lao-tzu that says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
BE THANKFUL
Give thanks for the courage to move towards the new life you are creating. When you feel like you are 'off course' and moving away from your dream, encourage yourself by reviewing your list of accomplishments. As you look over your list, give thanks for the good that has already taken place as a result of your decision to change your life. Never forget that thanksgiving is your secret power of increase.
BE SILENT
Do not share your life plans with those who can't "Know" it for you.. Remember, people who can't see where they are going in life, can never see where you want to go. In fact, such persons may talk you out of the plans you have made. Be silent and do whatever is before you. Validation from others is not necessary. Once you decide to do a thing, DO IT. After all, it is your dream and only you can make it come true.
There is plenty of time to get clear about what you want in '09. Get your 'but' in order and let your possibility come alive in 2009.
Posted in: on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at at 11:30 AM
Well said Enid! This is a great line: "The higher you climb, the lighter your load must become or eventually the weight you are carrying will prevent you from reaching the top."
I've been thinking a lot lately of how to lighten my load, cut back, cut out, and lighten up. It's a tough process but so rewarding.
BTW, it's Andrea from our Celebrants class. My google password was wrong and my computer auto-filled my daughters old account for me.