Conscious choices taking you from debilitating belief to positive self-belief

“One of the most important things that I have learned in my 57 years is that life is all about choices. On every journey you take, you face choices. At every fork in the road, you make a choice. And it is those decisions that shape our lives”– Mike DeWine

• Have you ever been at a turning point in your life where you decided enough is enough?
• Do you ever feel afraid to share what is in your heart for fear of being judged or ridiculed?
• Have you ever wondered how to speak from your heart and get your message out into the world?

Can you relate to any of these? If so, you’ll relate to my journey from debilitating belief to positive self-belief.

There was a time when I was at a turning point in my life. I knew I was meant to do something more.  However, because I was carrying some deep emotional pain, it was holding me back from being the best that I could.

Growing up in a family environment that didn’t encourage speaking up and voicing any opinion meant that I learned, from an early age, to stay quiet. Saying nothing meant I felt safe from looking foolish and being judged. Avoiding saying the “wrong thing” was top on my list!
Even though this served me on one level, I felt shut down on many levels.

• Have you ever felt shut down?
• Has your ability to communicate ever been discouraged?

Concerns about what others may be thinking were very real fears. Golden opportunities were missed. Feeling free to be myself was virtually non-existent.  One amazing missed opportunity came in the form of living in Japan for one year teaching English to students. Even though I didn’t have a teaching background, the organization trusted in my ability. Unfortunately, I didn’t share the same insight.

“Something has to change – right now! I’m sick and tired of feeling this way” I remember chastising myself.

Dedication and action became my focus to overcome these fears and gradually I moved forward.

However, in order to reach the next level, I needed someone to help me. This was when I met my coach.

Initially, before getting help, I said to myself:
* I can’t do that and I’m not worth it
* I can’t spend this money on myself
* It’s going to take up too much time

For a moment, because it was easier, I actually believed it was ok to stay where I was.

Then, my husband, Chris, wisely asked me; “If you don’t do anything now, how will things be different next year?  How will you be feeling five years from now? ”

A moment of insight and self-realization flashed before my eyes; “There is no better investment than in myself. If I want to make a difference in this world, it starts with my own personal transformation! If I do nothing, my speaking fears and tensions could still be there ten years from now!”

My coach saw my potential. She believed in me. She’d walked a similar road and with her skill, it made it so much easier and quicker to move forward.

As my coach helped me find my voice, she guided me on how to become clear on my niche and message.
The difference was, she cared and held the vision for me on all levels – emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Even in the times when I’d lost my focus.

• Have you ever had someone walk beside you, at that dedicated level?
• We all need someone like that in our lives, don’t you think?

My greatest insight was, just because you’ve made certain decisions in your past, this doesn’t mean you need to base your future decisions on your past experiences. Your past doesn’t define your future unless you choose it to.

“Your belief determines your action and your action determines your results, but first you have to believe.” – Mark Victor Hansen

I’m so grateful that I had the realization when I did. I found my voice and discovered my purpose! This has meant I can help others overcome their fears of speaking so that they can speak from their heart and share their message.

Here’s to speaking from Your heart and discovering choice as You share Your message!