Are you ready?

You know that life can be better than this. You long for something new, something different. You may not know what you want but you know that where you are is not working for you anymore.

In the course of my work with people seeking to change their lives, I meet many people who are not at a place where they are ready to invite change. Change means many things to people. It means stepping beyond the comfort zone and into the unknown. The comfort zone is that place where we are accustomed - it may or may not actually be comfortable. We can be miserable but avoid change because at least we know what to expect within the confines of where we are now. In order to transform, we need to be willing to take a chance to learn something new. We need to be open to possibilities other than what we are accustomed and know that we will grow and become stronger in the process. This new learning experience will expand our comfort zone offering us increased personal freedom.

Change means fear. Recognizing the fear - where it comes from and what it feels like - is an important part of moving forward. Embrace the feeling; don't ignore it. But as you embrace it, ask yourself how the fear serves you? What is it you're really afraid of?

When I ask people that question, I often hear that they are afraid to fail. It's been said that fear of failure is really a fear of success. I would take that a step further and say that what people fear most is their power. When people tap into their true self, they find they have the power to be all they can be and to live a life filled with peace and happiness. It's awesome. And it's scary. And yet, it's so freeing. There are no more facades, no more games (even with yourself). You live true to yourself, true to who you really are and give yourself permission to be all that you were meant to be. And in doing so, you do more for the world than you could ever do living behind your fears. As you release yourself from the bondage of fear and self-doubt, others around you will find the courage to do the same.

Change means responsibility. Change starts with accepting responsibility for where you are right now, knowing that you have the ability to take your life from where it is and create what you really want. Responsibility starts with an increased awareness of the way things are, the way you are. Not the way you think they are but the way they really are. Two things are required for initiating change, openness and willingness - an openness to deeper understanding of what can be possible and a willingness to let go of the way it is and what has come before. Forgiveness is the acceptance of any hope for a better past. In order to transform, you must focus on the vision you hold for the future instead of how it has been in the past or even where it is today. It means getting clear about what you want and the vision you see for yourself, then making a commitment to make it happen.

Change also means excitement, challenge and opportunity. Being open for possibilities means creating a life beyond what you can think of today. It means that there are no limits to how wonderful life can become - if you are open to receive that which the world has to offer. Keep the focus on what you want your life to look like and stop putting up with people or things that get in the way of your dream. Identify the source of those obstacles and eliminate them. Remember, you are responsible for your life and it's course. Stop getting in your own way! Right now, this minute, you have the power to change your life. Make the commitment to no longer accept mediocrity and you have taken the first step.

Initiating change can be done in small increments - a small shift in thinking, attitude and actions can create dramatic results in helping you change the course of your life. Believe that you can create a better life and visualize yourself there. What will it feel like on your new path? What we think about most of the time, we bring about. You can choose what you think about. Don't focus on what has to change, rather think about what it is you want - that vision you have for your future - and you will naturally move in that direction. Immerse yourself in thinking about your new life. Create a picture, collage or write about your vision and post it where you can see regularly.

Some changes are inevitable, like the changing of the seasons. You have a choice over how you experience these events. You can perceive them as a rich part of the wonders of life or as an unfortunate interruption of your routine. People who have difficulty accepting the passing of the years are often the ones who have not lived fully. It is from this lack that they fear the loss of time. And yet, they have the power to choose a different experience.

What needs to happen for you to be ready to change course in life? What lessons are presenting themselves to you right now that you must learn in order to move forward? Who do you need to become in order for you to be ready to accept responsibility for creating and embarking on a new path? Be honest about where you are and where you want to be. Years have a way of slipping by. If you are not ready now, then identify what you need to learn in order to move forward. Wake up! Your life is waiting. nnn