Lately I’ve been having a hard time deciding where I want to put my energy and attention.
I’ve been asking questions like:
Am I doing the work I’m meant to be doing, or am I playing it safe?
Is it time to move? If so, where do I want to go?
Am I ready to start dating again?
Does your mind ever spin with questions like these?
In my mental turmoil of deciding what to do next, I often end up not doing much of anything. Which, let’s be honest, only creates more overwhelm and procrastination.
So I sat down, got quiet, and took it one step at a time.
Regarding my work, I thought to myself: what’s the bottom-line, most important thing I want from my work? If I could only do one thing, what would it be?
My answer: What I want most is to do work that is creative and inspires others. Check!
I love what I do for so many reasons, but mostly because it’s creative. While I’m always striving to be encouraging and inspiring to others, I’m also continually inspired by my clients and their work. Plus, I’m open to and excited for the many ways that my creativity will express itself in the future as I and my business evolve.
Regarding my question about when to move and where, again I asked: what’s the bottom-line, most important thing I want from where I live? If I could only have one thing, what would it be?
My answer: I want safe housing that allows me the financial freedom to travel. Check!
This simple exercise shifted me from feeling like I was really lacking something to feeling grateful for the home I currently have — because that home fills my current core desire. Of course, I’m also staying open to the possibility of my living situation changing when the right opportunity comes along. What is it they say? This or something better.
The final (and scariest) question for me: am I ready to start dating again? I asked the same questions: what’s the bottom-line, most important thing I want from a potential new partner? If I could only have one thing, what would it be?
My answer: I want the freedom to grow into the person I’m meant to be. Checkmate!
What I know for sure is that I don’t need to search outside of myself in order to reach my true potential.
The truth is that if I’m not where or who I want to be, it’s because I’m letting my own fears and doubts hold me back.
Reaching my true potential begins with believing I can do it, trusting it will happen, and then taking small, actionable steps to move toward it.
I understand that, in order to grow, I will need to seek out and be open to help and guidance in the form of mentors, colleagues, friends, and even romantic relationships. I also know that I don’t need a partner to complete me. However, I’m open to the possibility that I’ll meet someone who enjoys supporting me in my journey — just as I’ll enjoy supporting him in his.
These simple questions alleviated my fear around dating. They helped move toward a place of trusting that everything will unfold naturally if I continue to follow my inner guidance and stay true to my core desire.
If you’ve also been in stall-mode, or even if you’ve been buzzing joyfully along, I invite you today to take a few moments, sit down with a cup of tea and your favorite journal, and consider:
What is the bottom-line, most important thing I want for myself in regards to _______ ?
If I could only give myself one thing, what would it be?
You deserve a life you love.
Getting to the core of your desires in every area of your life will keep you grounded when confusion and overwhelm set in, and remembering your bottom-line intention will keep you focused on the prize when things are really taking off.
Most of all, it will be your compass on your journey to creating a joyful life.
You’ve got this!
