It Really is About the Journey!
Finding lasting joy, success and inspiration are wonderful goals. However, what most of us don’t take into account is that it’s not about reaching the goal, the mountaintop, that holds much of the potential for inspirational change. It is the journey or steps involved, the moment to moment sense of wonder the leaks into our very being.
When you read a good mystery novel, or watch an exciting movie, is it the end that holds your interest? Certainly getting to the end matters, but what holds your interest? It is the events leading up to the final outcome, the clues and explorations that help unravel the mystery. The moment by moment excitement the builds to the final outcome. In your life, what holds your interest? What excites you? What final outcome will your journey bring you to? What mountaintops call to you?
The magic lies in taking the steps to finding greater joy, success, and inspiration in your life. Being authentic and deliberate on your path to find a meaning life (through work, volunteering, art, life) is as important as the final destination.. Sometimes a call is in the journey. Sometimes the obstacles are path, and sometimes our own self-limiting beliefs become obstacles that get in our way.
Popular self-limiting beliefs include: I don’t have enough money, I’m not smart enough, Who do I think I am, How will I maintain my current relationships if I (fill in the blank). You can use self-limiting beliefs to get in your way, or you can use them to motivate you to find an authentic path. Here’s how to use them to build rather than block your authenticity journey:
• Turn the negative statement into a positive one (I have enough money, I am smart enough, I deserve to be happy, I deserve supportive relationships, etc.). I know this seems simplistic and overused but stay with me. Without the rest of the formula, positive thinking alone doesn’t lead to positive, transformational shifts..
• Now, pay attention to how you feel when you state the positive (if you can’t believe in it even a little then it might be too big of a self-limitation to take on right now – try for something that makes you feel alive when you say it):
o I have enough support and I am grateful for that support.
o I can, and want to, move into more positive relationships (with friends, money, family, partner, work)
• Keep your attention on this positive affirmation (post notes to yourself, leave a voice mail on your phone, send yourself emails, share your affirmation in the Collective Journeying exercise below…..whatever it takes to keep your attention on it).
• Notice, and appreciate small or large changes in your life.
• Notice, and appreciate synchronicities.
• Do this often – and voice your intention (see below).
Collective Journeying
There is power in voicing your intention and getting support. I invite you to share your favorite self-limiting belief, how in your past it may have worked for you, and how it no longer does. What is your new positive no-limits affirmation? Where will you get support (on the blog counts) for this?
1) What is your favorite self-limiting belief (don’t make it the loudest one, maybe one that makes you smile when you acknowledge it). (For example, I don’t have the money or time to do this?)
2) How has it served you in the past and/or kept your authenticity hostage? (For example, if I am not being authentic about my goals, I won’t open myself up to criticism from my family.)
3) What is your new no-limits affirmation? How will you keep your attention on it, and get support? (I know I have all the time and support I need to make a shift in my life. I will write myself daily affirmations supporting my next steps.)
Remember, most limitations are self-imposed limitations….and, Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they’re yours. Richard Bach, Illusions
Jan facilitates national workshops for therapists and life coaches. She presents at conferences on topics related to holistic psychology and living your dreams.
