A Parallel Journey
As I write this, it is Easter Sunday. It seems like an apropos (I love this word!) time to talk about transformations, rebirths, whatever you want to call it.
Not being a religious person, I do have some knowledge of the Christian faith. I know that the Bible says Christ was crucified, died, was buried, and then was born again. I have found through my journey that I have gone through the same process in a way. No, I don’t have nail-scarred hands, and I still roam Earth in a physical body, and I haven’t moved any big rocks out of doorways. I definitely went through phases of hardship, cognitive dissonance, and wondering if I was supposed to be doing something else.
My process of self-awareness and self-discovery felt painful at times. And then like a phoenix or Christ, I was able to transform into the person I am today.
So, what did it take for me to go through the process and come out the other side? In working with others, I have found one universal.
Commitment.
My journey started when I committed to losing weight. When my intention was very clear about what I wanted, my life started changing. To paraphrase the quote from von Goethe, the divine will intervene to assist us toward our goal. I began to lose weight and then had the realization that it was about more than weight loss.
Crucified
I didn’t know what I wanted, and I was constantly arguing with myself about what I was supposed to do, what my purpose was, or what I wanted to be. I wondered why I hadn’t been able to keep relationships from failing, develop better relationships, accomplish goals. I beat myself up for just about everything. Let’s consider this the crucifixion of self.
Died and Buried
At this point, my journey of self-discovery was my biggest priority. Why did I do what I did in so many areas of my life? Why did I keep making the same mistakes? Why did the same type of people keep showing up in my life? I needed to figure this out. I had enough confidence under my belt from my successful physical transformation that I was ready to take on the unconscious stuff I did and wasn’t even aware of. And with knowledge, I was able to push aside the old thinking and beliefs (died), and switch up my thinking and actions using some targeted interventions that the old me was gone (buried).
Rose Again
Leaving the old me behind and showing up anew is really all about taking action to accomplish what I say I want to accomplish. I now had a clear vision for myself, goals that supported this vision, and so many opportunities that showed up to accomplish the life of my dreams.
(The previous bit of writing is meant as an analogy. In no way do I consider myself to have lived the life of Christ, died as Christ was said to have died, or have I literally rose from the dead. I’m referring to a journey and not that I’m Christ or even resemble the person he is said to be. Just want to keep the record straight.)
This quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, although deep and wordy, is a great example of the process.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
Let me ask you this. Are you living the life of your dreams? Or are you just talking about it? Do you know your purpose? What are you doing to live in your purpose?
Or are you just thinking and talking about your dreams and living in your purpose?
Is today the day you will commit to starting your journey to self-discovery and self-improvement?
My journey included training in NLP. If you are ready there is an opportunity for you coming up April 22-25. I encourage you to check it out and see if you’re are interested. Click here to find out more: https://www.empoweringmindfulchange.com/nlp-reserve
Remember, when you commit to something, all kinds of opportunities will show up for you to accomplish what it is you are wanting. Here is one, special delivery!