“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.
Tiptoe if you must, but… TAKE THE NEXT STEP”. Naeem Calloway
Fear and Yes
As I commit to living the life I dream of living, I admit that “Fear” is a big factor. Fear can prevent me from taking the next step… or fear of living a smaller, unfulfilled life can actually motivate me, even if only to tiptoe and take a baby step. Any movement in the right direction, no matter how small, is the next step to take. Is fear preventing me from living my best life or inspiring me to make changes so that my best life becomes a reality? That is the million-dollar question!
Saying “No” Leads to Saying “Yes”
This is a hard one for me. I’m not someone who likes to say “No”. I don’t like to disappoint people and I like to do what I can to serve. But saying “Yes” to every opportunity or favor asked gets in the way of saying “yes” to myself. Of course, I could spread myself thin and try to do it all but that doesn’t bring me any closer to the life I want to live.
I am learning the fine art of saying “No” to what drains me or pulls me further off course from the life I am manifesting. It takes strength, courage, and some discernment. I may disappoint people along the way. Would I rather do that or disappoint myself and put my own health, needs, and dreams on the back burner? This isn’t a selfish choice; this is an empowering, self-honoring choice that leads to greater fulfillment, happiness, and more energy to give others I love. A short-term “No” clears space for a long-term “Yes”.
What if You Aren’t Sure?
What if you aren’t sure whether you are sensing an honest “No” or “Yes”? Connect to your intuition by trying this…
- Get very still and quiet.
- Imagine someone is asking you to do something. Something that is a definite “No” for you. Something you really don’t want to do. Imagine it in great detail.
- Where are you?
- Who are you with?
- What is happening?
- How does the scene play out?
- Now, focus on your body. Where in your body do you feel your response to this obvious “No”? How does it feel?
Do the same thing with a definite “Yes”. Imagine that an opportunity arises to do something you’ve wanted to do for a long time. Something that if it came along, you would respond with an eager “Yes!” without having to stop and think about it.
- Where are you?
- Who are you with?
- How does the scene play out?
- Focus again on your body. Where in your body do you feel your response to this offer? How does it feel to say “Yes”?
A “No” Might Have Been a “Yes”
I am aware that a “No” might have been a “Yes” once upon a time. The relationship that was so wonderful in the beginning has gone from “Yes” to “No”. The job that aligned with my skills and talents has changed for a variety of reasons; it felt right but doesn’t any longer.
It could be any number of things that were right at the time but aren’t any longer- you’ve grown; you’ve changed; you have new dreams or goals. Something else is calling to you and you can’t help but listen.
Is the current situation one that can be turned into a “Yes” with some tweaking or is it a “No” that needs released to make room for a “Yes”?
I’ve learned to trust my gut instinct- my intuition. It has always, without exception, led me in the right direction.
I suffer most when I ignore my intuition and try way too long to turn a “No” situation into a “Yes”. This was my way of trying to fix things or hope that they will somehow fix themselves- if I ignore them long enough. Someone told me that if I ignore the whispers of my intuition, I’ll get hit with “a spiritual 2 by 4”. The Divine will continue to escalate the situation until I pay attention. Things will get more uncomfortable and more miserable the longer I ignore the wisdom inside that is trying to guide me.
Questions that Guide Me
There are some questions I can ask to keep myself on the path I choose to travel.
- Who am I now?
- How do I want others to see me?
- What is the “Yes” beckoning me?
- What is stopping me from taking a step in the direction that is calling to me?
- Am I ready to take a big step or do I need to tiptoe or take a baby step?
In The Summer Day, Mary Oliver asks,
“What is it you plan to do with your ONE wild and precious life?”
I’d love to hear your answer.
My post Saying Yes Leads to the Next Yes offers more insight into how “Yes” can guide and change your life.
Watch Whitney Freya’s inspiring YouTube video for the #YESextravaganza this month.