The Next Step
It’s late afternoon and I’ve not long awoken from a nap on the sofa, the sound of waves crashing across the road.
The sweet Whippet I’m keeping company is curled up in her fluffy bed. I feel fatigued from my morning in the sun, visiting local beaches Stanwell Park and Coalcliff. Turquoise blue water, glassy waves rolling in and dramatic green hills framing the beach. The humidity has dropped, making it the perfect summer’s day.
I reluctantly begin writing this piece and stop for a few minutes to prepare a snack of gorgonzola and strawberries to take out to the front deck. Maybe the afternoon breeze will lift the weariness I feel. Maple chases rabbits in the garden and I keep looking up to the impossible blue ocean, attempting to put into words something far bigger than I can be bothered to explain right now.
So, I’ve probably already told you that I’m going to Vietnam in March. I booked flights mid-December and procrastinated making further plans until a couple of days ago. My hesitation was due to the uncertainty of how I was going to pay for the trip, my living costs only paid up until March.
For many, this would be a sign to cancel the trip and get some work. But for me? This is just the standard unfolding of my life now. An invitation to move forward anyway, taking action based on a feeling of certainty within me, despite my mind screaming NO, WHY, HOW?
It was the same when I went searching for a property before I had the deposit. When I booked a production course, without all of the funds. When I left my secure paycheque with no job lined up. And all of the times since, as my bank account has edged precariously close to $0.
But each time, without fail, money has mysteriously and effortlessly arrived to support my decisions. It’s like I take one step and life takes two on my behalf. It’s that old cliché- jump and the net will appear. And so it will for my trip to Vietnam.
Do I have doubts? Of course, but I’ve learned to let them be there and act anyway. It’s not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of tension in holding that space of not knowing how something will work out, but just trusting it will.
Underneath the surface level of anxiety, I’ve connected to an instrinct, powerful faith. A healthy entitlement of – why can’t I have that? I look around and see evidence of other people living these experiences- so if they can, why can’t I?
It’s hard to truly capture the way I’m living in words, because it feels kind of revolutionary. And really, it is, as I’m creating something custom fit to me. I’m not buying into the inherited beliefs of my culture and conditioning. I’m scrapping the rules and designing something bespoke.
So, I’ll leave you with this question- how are you creating your life? And when the doubt creeps in, that voice that tells you that you’re selfish, entitled, undeserving, not ready- ask yourself- who designed that belief?
How do they benefit if you conform to that design? Is this belief serving you or can you replace it with something more empowering?
My greatest work, my new day job, is shaping the beliefs that shape my life. We’re all artists. Our instrument is our choices, creating a life we’ll look back on and ponder- did I allow myself to live to my true potential? Did I receive or reject the gifts that life offered me?
What would you like to create this year?
Are you ready to design your year from a place of integrity? To feel fulfilled each day as you live a life supportive to your needs and desires?
I invite you to explore and expand within the nourishing container of creative mentoring.