Last night, I allowed my mind to wander before bed. I was musing on my goals for the year, making out my personal wish list. But almost as quickly as a crazy idea popped in my head---wouldn't it be fun to visit Argentina?---my rational mind went into overdrive, coming up with the many obstacles and reasons why, practically speaking, my dream was impossible, unrealistic, and not worth pursuing.
There is a time and a place for practicality; for planning, for outlining the concrete steps that are necessary to take you from point A, to B, to C. Yes, you have to act on, and not just dream your dreams. But, when we let our rational minds run the show, we short circuit the dreaming process: we defeat ourselves before we even try.
This past spring, I attended Hay House's I Can Do It conference in Las Vegas. I remember gleefully lounging by the pool, glowing. My glow came from the natural good feelings that accompany a dream come true---I had wanted to attend this conference for years---and from being in luxurious surroundings---we stayed at the world class Venetian hotel. But, more than that, I felt such joy because the conference jolted me out of my everyday routine, out of my "normal"---the Venetian was a huge step up from the Hampton Inn. It opened my eyes to the many opportunities, possibilities, and experiences that I had heretofore believed were out of my league. I had grouped 4 star hotels into the province of others. But here I was, a member of the club.
I left Las Vegas with my eyes opened: How else could I expand my life? Why did I believe that I had to live a "conventional" life? Why couldn't I dream beyond my daily routine, and imagine traveling, creating a speaking career for myself, writing books, sharing the world with my children?
What are your crazy dreams? How do you wish to break free of what's "normal?"
I think of a friend who's spending several months in Costa Rica with her husband and children. I think of another who is producing a documentary. I'm thinking about how I can pack up my family in an RV for a month, telecommuting while touring the country.
I've been reading Bill Strickland's inspiring memoir, Making the Impossible Possible. What strikes me most about Bill's approach to life is his refusal to let obstacles, roadblocks, or even the seeming impracticality of an idea---growing orchids in the Pittsburgh projects?---keep him from manifesting his dreams.
Yes, there is a time for routine. The bills need to be paid, the laundry, washed, the meals, cooked. I feel more satisfied with my life when I can find the joy in the everyday; the joy even in self-discipline. But there is room for both in a human life: for the day-to-day, as well as the mountaintop experiences.
There was a time when I pooh-poohed positive thinking, metaphysics, the law of attraction, or the idea that you co-create your life: after all, I can wish all I want for more money, a slimmer body, or more peaceful relationships, but that doesn't mean I'll have them. I've learned that true success comes when I couple positive expectation with action. I can't think myself rich, or thin. I must also behave in ways that create the wealth, or health, that I desire. So, while I may use prayer, affirmation, and positive thinking to shape my thoughts, I also act.
But how do you know what to do? How do you know what course to follow? How do you know when to act, when to wait, when to fine-tune a dream, or adopt a new one? I often wish for a coach or a friend to just tell me what to do; to show me the path of action. But, while they are helpful at confirming my thoughts, I've learned that I must ultimately seek the answers inside. When I listen to my inner guidance, my intuition, my hunches and ideas, then I'm able to manifest my thoughts into tangible, physical reality.
Following my internal guidance is much like developing any other skill: one that improves with practice, and regular use. If I follow my intuition on the little things, then I have the confidence to follow my intuition on the big things. Just last week, I ordered some sweaters online, sweaters I had hesitated ordering for several weeks because I was unsure of the colors. But, I ignored my hesitation, and guess what? I'm returning the sweaters because, you guessed it, the colors are unflattering on me. I knew this, you see---it's why I hesitated---but I overruled my intuition. Yes, it's only sweaters. But this experience taught me to trust my inner voice. It knows what to do.
So, as you embark upon your path for 2008, make your wish list. Don't censor yourself. And then, as the days, weeks, and months unfold, spend time in silence, with yourself. Listen. What does your intuition tell you to do? Follow your hunches. Act on them. And see what possibilities open in your life.
Last night, I allowed my mind to wander before bed. I was musing on my goals for the year, making out my personal wish list. But almost as quickly as a crazy idea popped in my head---wouldn't it be fun to visit Argentina?---my rational mind went into overdrive, coming up with the many obstacles and reasons why, practically speaking, my dream was impossible, unrealistic, and not worth pursuing.
There is a time and a place for practicality; for planning, for outlining the concrete steps that are necessary to take you from point A, to B, to C. Yes, you have to act on, and not just dream your dreams. But, when we let our rational minds run the show, we short circuit the dreaming process: we defeat ourselves before we even try.
This past spring, I attended Hay House's I Can Do It conference in Las Vegas. I remember gleefully lounging by the pool, glowing. My glow came from the natural good feelings that accompany a dream come true---I had wanted to attend this conference for years---and from being in luxurious surroundings---we stayed at the world class Venetian hotel. But, more than that, I felt such joy because the conference jolted me out of my everyday routine, out of my "normal"---the Venetian was a huge step up from the Hampton Inn. It opened my eyes to the many opportunities, possibilities, and experiences that I had heretofore believed were out of my league. I had grouped 4 star hotels into the province of others. But here I was, a member of the club.
I left Las Vegas with my eyes opened: How else could I expand my life? Why did I believe that I had to live a "conventional" life? Why couldn't I dream beyond my daily routine, and imagine traveling, creating a speaking career for myself, writing books, sharing the world with my children?
What are your crazy dreams? How do you wish to break free of what's "normal?"
I think of a friend who's spending several months in Costa Rica with her husband and children. I think of another who is producing a documentary. I'm thinking about how I can pack up my family in an RV for a month, telecommuting while touring the country.
I've been reading Bill Strickland's inspiring memoir, Making the Impossible Possible. What strikes me most about Bill's approach to life is his refusal to let obstacles, roadblocks, or even the seeming impracticality of an idea---growing orchids in the Pittsburgh projects?---keep him from manifesting his dreams.
Yes, there is a time for routine. The bills need to be paid, the laundry, washed, the meals, cooked. I feel more satisfied with my life when I can find the joy in the everyday; the joy even in self-discipline. But there is room for both in a human life: for the day-to-day, as well as the mountaintop experiences.
There was a time when I pooh-poohed positive thinking, metaphysics, the law of attraction, or the idea that you co-create your life: after all, I can wish all I want for more money, a slimmer body, or more peaceful relationships, but that doesn't mean I'll have them. I've learned that true success comes when I couple positive expectation with action. I can't think myself rich, or thin. I must also behave in ways that create the wealth, or health, that I desire. So, while I may use prayer, affirmation, and positive thinking to shape my thoughts, I also act.
But how do you know what to do? How do you know what course to follow? How do you know when to act, when to wait, when to fine-tune a dream, or adopt a new one? I often wish for a coach or a friend to just tell me what to do; to show me the path of action. But, while they are helpful at confirming my thoughts, I've learned that I must ultimately seek the answers inside. When I listen to my inner guidance, my intuition, my hunches and ideas, then I'm able to manifest my thoughts into tangible, physical reality.
Following my internal guidance is much like developing any other skill: one that improves with practice, and regular use. If I follow my intuition on the little things, then I have the confidence to follow my intuition on the big things. Just last week, I ordered some sweaters online, sweaters I had hesitated ordering for several weeks because I was unsure of the colors. But, I ignored my hesitation, and guess what? I'm returning the sweaters because, you guessed it, the colors are unflattering on me. I knew this, you see---it's why I hesitated---but I overruled my intuition. Yes, it's only sweaters. But this experience taught me to trust my inner voice. It knows what to do.
So, as you embark upon your path for 2008, make your wish list. Don't censor yourself. And then, as the days, weeks, and months unfold, spend time in silence, with yourself. Listen. What does your intuition tell you to do? Follow your hunches. Act on them. And see what possibilities open in your life.