Often times we know what’s best for ourselves, yet we let choosing the “best” scare us. Making the choice of what’s best may be something that, at the moment, feels out of our comfort zone. We’re so addicted to safety and comfort that when we start to go against those two very human impulses, we feel frightened.
The difference between the people who chase for success and those satisfied with the status quo often shows itself in these slightly frightening situations. Those people that want the best must stride boldly into and through that fear. Breaking through fear is something that the average person refuses to do. By striding out into that scary choice we give our personality / our energetic self the permission to stretch. The stretching is growth. True growth happens when we’re stepping out of our comfort zone and into the unfamiliar.
The entire universe (your spiritual self, your intuition) strives to line up perfect options for you on a regular basis. Your Greater Self gives you signs pointing toward the direction that serves you most, but if you don’t take the steps, the opportunity will glide right past you. That’s the funny thing about our Spiritual Selves, The Universe. It gives you what you can handle and offers you more, always offering you more.
Often, friends and those close to me will comment on my intuition. They say it’s very strong, that I’m very in-tune with it. I’ve always thought of it as flowing with my feelings, letting them guide me. I was out shopping for a new automobile recently when the winds of my intuition gusted me onto a car lot that, previously, I had no intention of visiting. Up until that point I was searching for vehicles both on the internet and in person, never really finding what I was looking for. Nothing felt right. As I walked up to the dealer of this car lot full of beautiful that I hadn’t felt comfortable looking twice at, I asked what he was trying to get rid of, what car he wanted off his lot. He showed me one or two that were nice, but nothing special. Then he showed me the perfect car. My baby. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was right. It had everything that I needed to advance further in all of my endeavors, as well as the luxury of something nice. At that time I wasn’t searching for luxury or nice. In fact, with most cars I neither noticed nor cared about luxury. Frankly, I didn’t understand it. But when I sat in this truck with the seats that fit me perfectly, the colors and lights that complimented my tastes, and the little options that make my life so much easier I finally got it. I knew that if I bought this automobile it would take me further in my growth. I would be getting something nice for me because I deserve it. In my mind, the truck just clicked. I listen to clicks. There’s a caveat: the truck was somewhat more than I planned to pay. Not much, but some. At the same time, it was a killer deal, a true steal. Nevertheless, at that moment I felt scared considering the commitment I might make. Could I afford it? Should I follow my gut or walk away? I knew that I had two choices: Choose the stretch, make the scary choice; Or, let it go and search for something different.
It’s my belief that a successful person makes a choice quickly and sticks to it. No looking back, no regrets. If he/she then discovers that the choice didn’t serve, it’s a learning experience. I was at my point of choice. I could choose what I knew would be best, or I could choose to find something that in my mind at the time seemed more “reasonable.” If you haven’t guessed yet, I chose to make the stretch. I knew that making the purchase of something that I’m proud of will push me forward in my own growth and success. Honestly, the moments leading up to, and the moment of purchase were scary. There’s still a bit scary lingering right now. But it’s also exciting. It’s exciting to think about how I get to push myself forward to support this increase in my life. It’s exciting to know that I didn’t let my fears stop me from making a choice to create something in my life of which I’m proud.
Throughout a fair part of my past, I often struggled with the idea of getting “nice” things for myself. I figured I’ll go with what I need to barely get by, and that was good enough. I allowed myself to sit in a thought process of lack that served neither me nor any of my relationships (students, friends, or family). I didn’t realize how miserable I was, how unhappy I was with playing small and being afraid. Now that I’ve taken steps toward a mindset of abundance, growth, and security I can feel a difference. It feels right. It feels motivating. Best of all, I know that I can succeed.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating spending money frivolously. I’m advocating spending in a way that will push your growth further. Spending in a way that will help you stretch in a good way as a person. I’m not condoning overstretching yourself by attempting to “keep up with the Joneses,” but do allow yourself to make calculated purchases for yourself of items that you interact with regularly. Especially don’t choose to be miserly because you’re afraid that more money won’t come in. With a miserly mindset, the money flow is restricted, and can even halt. Know that the money will flow and allow yourself to take care of yourself with that knowledge. Trusting in yourself is so very important, and with self-trust comes a richness of life, both internally and externally.
