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Anything is Possible
by Angie Bailey
What would you do if you knew for certain you would not fail? Recently, I spied my
6-year old son Ben gazing out the window, apparently entrenched in deep thoughts.
He does this sometimes when he's considering something I've said. He indulges in
more "considering" than any young man -- possibly any adult -- I know.
He caught me staring at him staring out the window. He flashed that kindergarten
jack-o-lantern smile and said, "Whaaaat?"
I implored him to share his thoughts with me and he said, "I'm deciding what
I want to be when I grow up." I asked him if he'd like to share his thoughts
thus far and he said, "Well, it's either a paramedic or a ninja." Having
his fill of consideration on that subject, he grabbed his brightly colored racecars
and slid them across the kitchen floor.
Ben has a certain confidence about him that assures him success as either a paramedic
or a ninja. Both sound appealing to him and he believes both are viable career options
when he reaches adulthood. Reaching back into my own childhood, I search for the
time when I abandoned the belief that I could do and be anything my heart desired.
Only in recent years have I dipped my toes in the crystal waters of my dreams and
reluctantly peered at the fantastic reflection that is me.
Last year, I spoke on the subject of faith at a women's gathering. I began by asking
everyone to adopt one belief for the entire hour. That belief is that "anything
is possible." They agreed that if I spoke of something that did not resonate
with their belief system, they would breathe deeply and mentally remind themselves
"anything is possible." When they left, they had complete permission to
debunk any wild ideas that had passed from my lips. It's interesting. When we give
ourselves permission to believe that anything is possible, we suddenly feel a sense
of relief. It's all OK. There's not one single way anything has to be done and not
any particular map we must follow on this road trip we call life.
So how do these limitations sprout? How do they creep into our psyches, slowly wrapping
around us like unruly vines, until they are suddenly a part of who we think we are?
Perhaps it was our parents, telling us we must obtain a four-year degree for something
that sparks our passion about as much as a rain-soaked book of matches. Maybe it
was our grandfather's desire that we inherit the family furniture store -- and out
of obligation, we suddenly discard dreams of teaching. Or yes, it could have been
earlier, when we began placing an enormous amount of importance on what others thought
of us -- what we wore, who we were friends with, what extracurricular activities
we chose. The list goes on and there are countless sources from which we may have
received messages of self-limitation. The funny part is that these people probably
had no idea they were affecting us in these ways, and we were clueless to their imprints
on our self-images.
Where to begin? First, I think it's critical -- and even wonderfully whimsical --
to adopt the above-mentioned phrase, "Anything is possible." Now, settle
into a comfy chair with a notebook and favorite pen and begin dreaming. What would
you do if you knew for certain you would not fail? Perhaps you are doing the work
of your heart. How could you enhance your joy?
As Lynn Grabhorn emphasizes in Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting, get to that "feeling"
place, where you can actually see, touch, smell, feel and hear the experience. Create
a list of your skills and what you love to do -- what makes your soul sizzle. Imagine
yourself doing just that. Spending time every day journaling about your dream creates
magnetic energy and enthusiasm and brings you closer to achieving it. While you're
driving, get to that "feeling" place and visualize yourself doing the specific
work. When doubt begins to make a guest appearance in your happy land (and it will),
simply remind yourself that anything is possible and ask it to exit stage left.
Start small. Sudden, drastic changes can feel overwhelming and you may need time
for planning and adjusting. Quickly quitting your job as accountant and living the
life of a full-time freelance graphic artist may work for some, but you can begin
paving the way without turning your life upside down (unless, of course, that is
your intention). Research opportunities on the internet, order catalogs, explore
schools, begin writing or painting just an hour a day.
Your intention alone sends a strong message to the Universe and sets the wheels in
motion. Begin talking about your new endeavors with supportive friends and family.
In my experience, verbalizing my dreams and action steps make them tangible. When
I started writing a book proposal a couple of years ago, I read a piece of good advice:
Type the cover page with the name of the book, your name, address and phone number.
Now you can say you've officially started your book proposal. That bit of logic can
be applied to any sort of goal. Challenge yourself to make one phone call, take one
page of notes, read one chapter of research...anything! Once you've started something,
you're officially on your way.
Sometimes we forget we have any influence over the course of our path. We feel like
victims of circumstance and slaves to our limiting belief systems that have hung
from us like oppressive chains for most of our lives. The good news is we can choose
to release the chains and begin moving toward a more fulfilling life. Identifying
how the work of your heart looks and feels is a start. Setting an intention and moving
in the direction of your dream -- in whatever size steps are right for you -- brings
you closer.
And when you doubt your brilliance for even a second, take a deep breath and say
that magic phrase, "Anything is possible."
Angie Bailey writes and speaks on a variety of life-inspiring topics, as well
as produces and hosts a cable access show in the Chisago Lakes area called "The
Bright Side." She is also the volunteer coordinator at Unity in Golden Valley.
Angie can be reached through her website www.positivelyangie.com or call (612) 581-7664.
Copyright © 2005 Angie Bailey. All Rights Reserved.
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| March 2005 |
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