Empowering Self Is The New Wishful Thinking
Who hasn't fantasized about winning the lottery, or being swept off into a fairy tale, or waking up in the perfect body (you get the gist) -- and envisioning how that one thing could solve all problems?
Shooting stars, 4-leaf clovers, and wishbones aside -- we can create our own luck (with a little help of awareness and some action steps). Have you ever used luck -- "good" or "bad," yours or someone else's -- as an excuse to rationalize your own shortfallings?
I don't believe in luck, coincidences or excuses for that matter. That doesn't mean I haven't taken advantage of them many times in the past! But that never really got me anywhere. Excuses are untruths that keep us stuck, firmly planted in fear, lack of self-confidence, and all-around playing small. They distract us from reaching further. And ultimately, that is simply a recipe for resentment and going nowhere good, fast. What if we begin to recognize that coincidence is actually communication, a message from the Universe in communion with our intuitive selves? If we tap into that rhythm we can actually begin to collaborate. Now we're talking!
Things don't magically appear and suddenly align without our participation on some level (even if unconsciously). So it's best to tap into your power and become an active participant in your own production. Life isn't about choosing winning numbers, it's about aligning our intentions, thoughts, words and deeds -- with our hearts and highest selves, which can feel like a tall order when it appears like things aren't working out on our behalf.
Whether this applies to our professions, our love relationships or in our relationship to self -- we sometimes accept the status quo as "luck of the draw" -- something that we need to make peace with. And then we simply feed those theories.
There are events that stop us in our tracks. These are the moments that present our greatest opportunities. Recently, someone close to me lost their job. While anything to do with our money can dole out a fear-based jolt, this is where we need to shift perspective. I couldn't help but look at it from a another angle. To me it wasn't negative, it was salvation. The backstory here is that, what had appeared on paper as a fabulous job, ended up being a drudgery despite its golden handcuffs, presented in the form of a nice salary, benefits and other trappings.
In other words, there was no soul food here.
What if the Universe was conspiring upon his behalf and getting him out of something sooner rather than later? Perhaps the Universe was responding to his silent suffering with a solution. Not luck -- response; not victim -- saved. Can I get a Hallelujah? This was a good thing and it created an opening for that next thing to arrive.
We've all been in a position at some point where we have been disappointed -- with the loss of an opportunity, hurt by a heartbreak, stopped in our tracks by a physical ailment, etc. It comes in many forms -- and then we blanket it in layers of emotion and drama and forget what was really at the core of it all to begin with. We could save ourselves much distress if we became more observant and less reactionary.
This is the path to reclaiming our true power and inner peace. It isn't something that the external world can provide. The perfect job, partner, health report, etc., cannot give us what we are searching for without the consent of our inner self -- luck or no luck. So why not skip the wishful thinking and take charge?
RESIST: When the urge to respond emotionally rears up, resist its seductions. These responses divert our attention from core feelings. Step out of the situation as an observer on the sidelines. I wonder what is unfolding here? Think big picture -- The Universe has my back!
TRUTH-TELLING: Do things for the right reasons -- and what is "right" resonates from deep within. Don't be seduced by the shiny penny or the peer pressure of others thinking they know what's best for you. When we deviate from our inner compass, we sell out. Ask yourself why you are taking this job, in a relationship with this person, or ignoring the signals your body is sending you. Really.
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY: Shut down the excuse-making factory. It's not too late, there is enough time and one small shift can create large impact and trickle down. For example when it comes to self-care: People commonly say things like, I don't have time to exercise or meditate, I don't have enough money to eat organic food, I have a slow metabolism, I've inherited my current health situation, etc. Firstly, you can make time for anything you desire. Check out Erin Stutland in issue 09 of Best Self Magazine -- if you don't have 5 minutes for a cardio workout with mantras, it's time to shift the stories you are telling yourself!
Luck is one of those old stories we tell ourselves when we don't want to see our role in things. Let's face it, it's easier that way (or so we think). We each have our challenges in this life and no wishful thinking can will that away. It's about waking up to a new reality -- believing in ourselves -- knowing we are worthy and knowing that no matter what we have experienced, we can craft a new destiny. It's never too late. It starts with believing. I don't want to leave my destiny to anyone or anything else -- lottery tickets, fortune cookies or wishbones.
Empowering self is the new wishful thinking. Click your own heals, Dorothy!
photo credit: April Valencia
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