There are SO many people who’ve been real-life living proof that 1 person can, in fact, make a big ol’ whopping’ difference. We all know the heavy hitters like Gandhi, Lincoln and Dr. King.
And then there are those lesser-known heroes who are changing the world in small wonderful ways in our own backyards. Probably a lot like you….
Heroes like my high school art teacher Rick Jones (who spends every Wednesday crawling under bridges to feed the homeless); my friend Ariane (who recycles our junk by turning it into amazing art); my gifted friend Marion (who performs music for local children and the elderly); and my friend Audra, who’s an activist for our local homeless population.
But here’s the bummer…
Every day I encounter far more incredible, smart women who are passionate about making a real difference on the planet… but somehow they’re NOT. So where’s the disconnect? How can you have that fire in your belly and NOT be flaunting’ your fabulousness? What’s getting in the way?
Ah, that’s easy…
There are 5 main reasons people sabotage their passions and potential:
1. FEAR
As Marianne Williamson said so perfectly: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” And I couldn’t agree more.
However much you dislike where you are now, I’ll bet big bucks that you’re FAR more afraid of the unknown. Even though you say you want good things in your life, your suffering is likely far more familiar. And us humans will literally do anything to keep ourselves from treading into unknown territory (even though our present experience may downright SUCK).
2. PEEPS
No, not the marshmallow kind (although the reference is perfect since Easter just passed) — I’m referring to your blood family and DNA lineage that I often refer to as your “Tribe”.
Whether consciously or not, the energetic bonds, baggage and beliefs of ancestors long past, as well as the overt messages from our parents, grandparents and siblings, is enough to create a powerful “family force-field” that can hold even the best of us down.
3. MENTORLESSNESS
OK, I’m not 100% sure that’s a real word (but that’s never stopped me before!) yet when you are rollin’ randomly through life without a Mentor, Teacher or Wise-One as your guide, that’s the fastest, surest way to waste a big ol’ bundle of precious time.
Experiencing some sort of mentorship allows you not only to learn, stretch and grow, but also lets you bask in the energy of someone seeing you for YOU. Without this feel-good experience you’re left only with your clouded self-perspective — piled high with limiting layers of energetic goo that you’ve been slathering yourself in since birth.
To bask in the face of the ultimate unconditional love is healing just in itself (I know first-hand).
4. DISTRACTIONS
We live in a world full of corporations, people and objects pulling powerfully for your attention — masterful manipulators set to slurp out every ounce of your focus and attention.
Without awareness, it’s easy for even the best of us to lose precious moments battling, managing and avoiding all of life’s many time-tornadoes — so staying on high-alert for these intruders keeps you from being pulled into the eye of the swirling storm!
5. LIES
If you’re like every other person on the planet, you’re probably holding onto beliefs about success, dreams and fulfillment that are simply, utterly untrue. Granted, most everyone around you holds these same beliefs, so you may not even realize they’re big fat lies. But nonetheless, they are. And they’re wrecking your life and keeping you from making the difference you were born to make.
Beliefs like:
• I’m not smart enough. (You are enough, and know enough, in every moment.)
• I might fail. (What’s your definition of “fail” – trying and falling… or never trying at all?)
• People won’t like me. (Yes, some weaker folks won’t. But other stronger ones will).
• Living “Big” is hard work. (Yeah, like living small is EASY?)
Be on the lookout for any-and-all thoughts that bring you stress, sadness, woe or worry. Why? Because that’s your emotional barometer that you’ve hit upon a JUICY one — lies feel bad, and the truth feels oh so good.
Shining a light on those things blocking you from living your biggest life ever is the first step start toward making your unique impact on the world around you.
Try this exercise this week:
Write #1—5 on a piece of paper, then jot down at least ONE change you could make this week regarding each of the 5 topics highlighted above. When you’re done, circle just 1 of the 5 and start to dig in TODAY!
EXTRA-CREDIT:
If you want to make a difference… but are still feeling downright STUCK, I have a few more spots for Spring Success Breakout Sessions! They’re totally complimentary — as my way to empower you make a difference in your own corner of the planet. ( as well as a great way to check off #3 above… wink-wink)
Just click here to apply.
SUPER-DOOPER-OOPER EXTRA CREDIT:
Leave a comment or question about the article above and I’ll give away one $100 gift card to Restaurants.com by Monday May 2nd —as my special gift for sharing yourself with all of us!
Love and Unstoppableness,
Stephanie
