Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the best place to start because it seems many people don’t believe the word expert applies to them.
But hear me out, because I think that’s a significant problem.
I come across far too many gifted practitioners, people with important ideas – ideas that could change people’s lives – yet they just don’t feel like experts.
At the same time, all too often I’ve seen people who have simply read a book, or gone to a workshop, (people who know far less than you do) and voila! Suddenly they’re an instant expert. I’ll bet you’ve seen them, too.
In fact, you might have even thought, “They barely know what they’re talking about. They don’t know nearly as much as I do.”
So what do these people have that you don’t? In a word . . .
. . . confidence.
Many of us have just finished a time of reflection, having lit candles for Hanukah and Advent, so maybe it would be good, once and for all, to deal with this issue of self-doubt.
You see, I believe this world needs your gifts. The world needs your expertise. Don’t hide your light “under a bushel.” Please bring it into the open so that other people can be blessed by it.
So let me ask you, what holds you back?
Could it be a lack of confidence?
When you take on bigger challenges in life, you inevitably have to deal with issues of self-doubt or lack of confidence and that can be kind of scary. Unfortunately, some of us haven’t done anything scary since the day we left home for college.
If you haven’t done something scary recently . . .
. . . is it possible you are playing too safe?
How you handle a lack of confidence becomes a critical part of your journey. My business coach Dan Sullivan, says that too many people wait to take action until they feel confident.
But there’s a problem with that.
According to Sullivan, you won’t feel confident until after taking action. Confidence comes as a result of achieving success.
Initially, taking action requires courage, not confidence. Courage is when you act even while being so scared you feel as though you might “pee in your pants.”
And you know, in many of the world’s best stories, we cheer on those heroes who initially thought they didn’t have what it took to step out and offer the world the gift that only they could give.
I’m thinking about people like Moses who, despite his stutter and initial reluctance, led his people out of slavery. And Rosa Parks, whose refusal to yield sparked attention and ignited nation-wide movement toward greater civil rights.
In each case, confidence came after taking action. Confidence follows courage. Those who are waiting until they feel confident enough to take action are likely never to get going.
As we head into a New Year, I’m wondering if you’re ready to take action and let your light shine. What is your area of expertise? And what challenges would you like to take on in the year ahead? Please leave a comment below.
Thank you for writing this blog, Ruth. As with most others, it comes at a pertinent time for me. I’ve been struggling with CPTSD triggers and writer’s block the past couple of years. After retiring from counseling (20 years), I moved to a “trigger-prone” area and have been dealing with the aftermath, but finally feeling like I’m free and ready to start a business. I know I have courage… it’s just taking the action step that is frightening… but writing here is a step. Now I’ll go take the next step towards my business. Thank you!
”Grace Smith – student of Psychology says:
January 4, 2015 at 11:20 am
I have just taken the initiative and invited members of our local University of the Third Age to attend an introductory lecture to learn about the new 8 month course that I am devising entitled The Psychology of Mindful Aging.
My aim is to investigate the role that neuroplasticity plays in the life of seniors in terms of their memory, emotional control and handling of stress.
The course will be run with a group of about 10 people who attend two 2 hour meetings per month – the one meeting offers practice of mindfulness together with a theme for the day. That same theme is investigated in the second monthly meeting with an emphasis on the cognitive aspect.
Participants will have a workbook which I am devising, and will be referred to the latest internet research from some of my favorite sites.’
Grace, I would love to see what you come up with. Please hold on to my email address and send a website link when you are ready to share your program. Kharrington1010@gmail.com
How beautiful to see you early in your career with a passion and the confidence to give something essential and substantial to the elderly. Kudos.
Well stated. Thanks
Dear Ruth,
Thank you so much for the information given in the report on how love rewires the brain. It is true, no doubt ! It´s fantastic to read certain facts from specialists and professionals who so well know about human relationships !
Thank you!
DIANA CHOUHY.
Thank you….inspiring words at a very relevant time. With much gratitude.
I have dystonia; focal dystonia in my vocal cords formerly labeled as spasmodic dysphonia; 3 years ago I retired from community mental health and opened a private practice. Since I am a psychological examiner I planned to contract for psychological testing primarily in my private practice because of my voice disorder (less continuous vocal demands). I have been getting botox injections in my vocal cords for many years to help with the quality of my speech production, but for the past 4 years the injections have not been working very well, so I planned to work part-time. Also, my father, who was in his late-80s was becoming more and more oppositional and my time was more focused on his care. However, my part-time work has slowly transitioned to full-time. I now have an outpatient counseling practice in addition to psychological testing contracts, and I have gotten licensed for alcohol/drug abuse counseling, and more recently, I am consulting in a local medical office once a month and am involved in their staff training as they transition to a more comprehensive practice. My dad has been dead almost two years now, and I still miss that relationship, but as my practice has expanded, my caretaking time slots have become progressively more filled. I have had to do what needed to be done whether or not I had the confidence that my voice would sustain through the activity or not! For the most part, I have been able to use compensations learned through voice therapy to “make it” but having a voice disorder has always reduced my ‘confidence’ about my expertise and capabilities. I think the last 3 years have taught me that whether or not my voice is at peak performance, I have gifts to give others, and the majority of people are able to engage with me even with my imperfect voice. I appreciate Ruth’s blog so much, and periodically I also read other comments, and today was one of those times. I appreciate all of the comments and hope that all have a wonderfully challenging and expanding and fulfilling new year!
My work for 2015 will be to find my ‘bliss” in retirement which I did not manage to do while working.
But I did learn some and got some clues on what I like doing.
Would like to work part time — may need to create my own job.
Would like to do advocacy type of work with low income and/or people hampered by mental health issues.
Ruth Card
Sounds good. Go for it. Do it with confidence and enthusiasm.
Hello Ruth. thank you so much for all you do. I wonder whether the isolated nature of our work has more impact on my confidence than I realise. I see 2015 as the year of collaboration with fellow counsellors, and with practitioners from other disciplines, to share our ‘expertise’ and to see if together we can offer a truly holistic experience for our clients. I don’t think I need ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ thinking any more. I just think I need to come out of hiding and gather with like minded practitioners.
What you say above is confirmed by my experience, Ruth. In my own life and in my practice I have come across many instances where lack of confidence prevents me/others from taking useful action – and as you say, the feeling of confidence does come after the action. Perhaps it’s a case of “nothing succeeds like success”?
All the best for 2015,
Catherine
Thank you Ruth! I immigrated to The Netherlands and had to start my professional career again from scratch. It was scary and difficult. At a certain point a lecturer said to me: “Why are you a student? You should be teaching.” That was a tremendous boost to overcome my fear that I was not good enough or that I did not know enough. Your article is again such a boost to me and will help to keep me on track!
Thank you again.
Ruth, I AM a huge fan of your educational seriess’ and I have benefited greatly. I have also been a user of psychological serviices for my famil.y I see such a huge difference from the kind of knowledge and leading edge vision you share and build upon and my experiences with the profession. So much unexplored,unknown andnot shared! Thank you for being the bright light and inspiration for so many!
Yes, I am ready to take vulnerable action to abolish child abuse. This year I will share my story for the first time and use my experience and expertise to abolish child abuse, one child at a time. This has been one of my greatest passions professionally FOREVER! Now it’s time to make it personal and public. I will Dare Out Loud and as Brené Brown says…Show up, Be seen and Dare Greatly. On my mark, get set and Go.
Great article, Ruth. I think we often underestimate our expertise.
I am a retired teacher. My favorite topic to teach was writing. I would like to write but am not sure I’m good enough. I write books for my grandchildren and others but afraid to go further.
Thank you, Ruth, as this was exactly what I needed to hear tonight. I started my own practice about three years ago. During this time I have experienced more family and personal challenges (aging parents, illness) than ever before. This has led to increased financial challenges and energy drain. Although I love my work, I was thinking today that maybe it’s time for me to “cry uncle” and retire. It’s so much easier to give into fear than to have courage and belief in oneself. Your words have given me hope and courage to keep trying. Thanks again and happy new year!
Joy
We have Joy as a name for a reason.
Just an FYI, Rose Park’s action has been miscast by history. She was not just tired and wanted a seat. At the time of her resistance on the bus, she had been actively involved in the inception of the civil rights movement for many years. Her act of civil disobedience that day had been very strategically planned,
I recently received my LCSW which opens up so many new doors for me. I’ve taken so many interesting and valuable training including at NICABM but am afraid of not being “good enough” to open my own part time practice and what I should specialize in.. This is in spite of many friends coming to me for advice and then going to the “professionals” and hearing the same advice. This is also in spite of practicing as an LCADC years ago and knowing that i did a good job then. I was just discussing this issue with a friend earlier today and then I opened this. I read through all the entries and I would like to than everyone for all your thoughts and words of wisdom. I think it really helped me look at things from a different perspective. I wish everyone much success with all your plans for the coming year and much confidence. You have all givcedn me hope-THANK YOUI!
Thank you for this -it comes at a perfect time in my life – I’m just seriously starting to embark on a part-time private practice, after paying rent on an empty office for a few months. Part of what’s held me back is I don’t know quite how to bring together all the components I’d like to use in my work, and that the work I do part-time in my “regular” job is so at odds with what I’d like to do in my private practice. It’s so true that we gain the confidence after we take the action. I’m reading a couple of wonderful books by Austin Kleon that I’ll share here for those who may not be familiar: “Steal Like an Artist” and “Show Your Work” are geared ostensibly to artists, but apply to anyone starting any kind of new endeavor. I’ve been enjoying very much the NICABM Mindfulness Series and that’s helping me a lot as well.
I can see deep connections between the ways
In which we educate our children, and the propensity
for violent behavior in our country. If we were to
change our curricula to reflect what society most needs:
compassionate and caring people, then we might
just find that a new way of thinking and living would emerge.
Feeling very grateful to NICABM for introducing the
practice of mindfulness into K-12 education. That is where I
believe we begin.
That’s all very true, though there’s also a distinct possibility that summoning courage and taking the plunge won’t turn out “successful.” One’s fears may be validated; listeners won’t be “wowed” or won over; your sphere of influence might not be influenced! This is when we need to remember that we do what we do, we plunge into things, speak our truth etc. etc. because it’s WHO WE ARE and we have the right to take our place at the table. The doing of this should confer a sense of hard won satisfaction with oneself for simply expressing versus having an outcome of helping or receiving recognition. And if one is really lucky the reward will be a sense of joy that comes with the unfettered freedom of being one’s authentic self and giving that self some avenues of creative and joyful expression. Is this confidence? I don’t know, I think it is: it seems like more than that to me…
Thank you so much Peggy, for sharing this very helpful perspective. Your words have helped me change my focus from what I need: courage or self-confidence, or whatever, before I can put on a workshop I’ve been wanting to do – to now framing it as wanting to do this because it’s who I am and what I believe. How Freeing!
I could really relate to everything you wrote in this post. It has inspired me to take a serious step outside of my comfort zone for 2015 and gain the confidence I need by taking more action as you mention. Thank you so much for the motivating words.
Yes well said. I used to have a lot of fear and courage and often put myself into uncomfortable situations. I am now 72 and have had a number of set backs in the last 5 years, one life threatening which has really knocked me back. More fear and less confidence. There is a lot of support for not doing anything risky as you get older! It is challenging to take the risk again.
Thank you . A helpful reminder.
I have been sick with neurological symptoms for many years now. I had to stop teaching Yoga in 2012.
I want my health, independence and “feel good Power” again. I don’t know what action to take.
I have an MRI with spots and was told possible ms……….in 2011. Two other hospitals said, absolutely not ms. I want to move forward and feel health happening, as opposed to what I feel right now which is a backward slide.
It’s possible that you are electro-sensitive. Symptoms can mimic MS. You can test yourself by putting yourself in an environment devoid of wifi, cell-phones, Smart Meters, proximity of cell towers, high EMF’s, for a few days and see if you feel better. Best wishes for your healing!
Hi Ruth
Thank you for your post I have never written a comment before but I felt you were speaking to me as this was one of my New Year reflections. I have just finished reading Anita Moojani’s book ‘Dying to be Me’. What Anita suggests we should do is to -‘live life fearlessly’. I will take this as a further inspiration to live life fearlessly into 2015. I know I hold myself back and this year is a year to step forward and be who I am fearlessly.
Thank you
Margaret
Dear Ruth,
Thank you for those inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement!
Exactly what I needed to hear! After 35 years on the job,
I’m needing that little extra spark to get moving forward!
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
S;0)
Wow! Ruth I feel as though you wrote this post just for me! I have been sober for 10 years after being an alcoholic for many years. I am about to launch my first book and addiction recovery coaching on-line business which has taken a lot of courage and heaps of action. However, with 2 weeks to go to launch date I find that I am self-sabotaging all the work that I have done by procrastinating on silly insignificant stumbling blocks that can easily be resolved. Perhaps a fear of failure or success is holding me back?
Thank you. Your post has made me realise that there are many people who urgently need what I have to offer and has also given me the confidence to get this show on the road!
Great info, thanks!
Ruth,
yes, those are words that deeply resonate with me.
I do feel that I hold myself back, professionally, a lot.
And I do feel I could teach meaningful skills and give meaningful
messages to people and also write good material, but I do not.
Along with a sense of burnout at work, comes helplessness and a feeling of inadequacy.
When I rest and take time away the effect is seen right away, as my self-confidence comes back
and I feel effective and competent again. So I know that proper self-care is basic to be a good psychotherapist and psychologist.
Along with it, though, feeling connected to others, feeling part of a community sharing a with similar vision, is also very important. That is something I do not feel I fully have at this time, yet I have resolved to find it or to build it.
My main area of expertise, regarding my clinical approach, is stress reduction, mindfulness-based therapy (including ACT) and meditation coaching. I hold a weekly offer-based meditation, mindfulness and support group, which I love and need, as it is my practice “breathing room”, and sacred space. I also use this approach to treat trauma (when indicated) and support patients who are withdrawing from harmful psychiatric meds. I do offer a holistic-type support for patients with chronic psycho-emotional health issues. And more…
Thanks for the chance tow rite a couple of lines about my practice, I appreciate it! Happy New Year!
Leaving London after some 35 years, for Bournemouth seemed a good idea at the time. But I had no idea how the move was to completely stress me out and drain my confidence – being out of my comfort zone. I now realise I was suffering from a “flashback” from my recovering PTSD, thanks to a book I recently purchased by a guy called Pete Walker, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving – what a gem. My fear was that the universe was bringing me clients with my unresolved issues and I kept getting those critical voices saying “this is sounding like your old stuff can’t you just feel the panic raising inside your belly – you should be in the referral business”!!! But Pete’s living proof you can still work as a successful therapist, whilst still recovering from your own Cptsd. So, it’s onwards and upwards paying no heed to that negative inner chatterbox.
hey Ruth
I have been reading your posts for well over a year now and sitting in the shadows soaking up your words and wishing that I could find courage.
My journey has seen me learn many things over the last 23years of chronic fatigue. I have not sat on my laurels and in the last 5 years trained as a Hypnotherapist/NLP/Life coach and now Level 2 EFT and I STILL cannot move forward (even within my small capabilities, or what I see as my small capabilities. I go through waves of feeling yeah go ahead and then 20times the opposite in doubt and self sabotage. Soon it will be too late to start. Frustrating.
Having gone through a harrowing divorce , I feel I could be a worthwhile emotional support for husbands going through the same agony.
I previously published a book about my experiences with heart disease. I put it out under the author’s name of Anne Surtees because it contains personal information. I was afraid to use my real name. I have since realized that I do not care if people read about my personal health issues under my own name. That is fortunate because that book comes up when I Google my real name, so my effort to hide the author’s name failed. Now I am writing a book about my spiritual experiences and my work with mindfulness. Again, I am considering using a pseudonym. This is because I live in an area where most people are evangelical Christians. I am afraid of being attacked for viewing Christ as my Divine Teacher rather than as my “Lord.” I associate the word lord with the Dark Ages in Europe and all the horrors thereof. So, dare I publish this book under my real name? I ponder this question on a daily basis.
Ruth, thank you so uch I love reading your blogs etc they are so helpful. A friend of mine, Jackie has written a book called Braver Than You Think and has, with help from one of our UK Universities, developed a short free online tool called the Braveometer which shows people different areas of their lives where they feel more or less brave. It helps us see that we really are braver than we think. If it is acceptable to you I know she would be happy to share the link with you and any of your readers.
All the best
Val
An excellent and encouraging message Ruth, thank you. One thing I struggle with at the moment is my faith. I’ve been very moved by the plight of volunteer health workers working with the ebola crisis, some of whom have died and others are possibly facing death. If one is moved to pray, then seize the opportunity and hold the tone for healing. Just as our Mindfulness has a ripple effect on the One Mind, so to speak, so too, are we called to relinquish confidence in the familliar and trust into the unknown. Thus there is an Expert in each and every one of us waiting to be revealed. Healing, however it seems to occur, can be the most non compliant act with the status quo of the human condition.
Its an unnecessary sacrafice to deny others the gft we have to give, especially the gift of our integrity, however it is to be expressed. Yet there seems to be so much fear in the way. Must be very gentle with ourselves.
Many thanks.
I am writing a book called “Out of the Darkness and into the Light”, which will be published this year. Even though I have no writing experience. It is a memoir about how many alternative therapies healed me body, mind, and soul after many years of suffering with depression, OCD, Meineres Disease, and PTSD.
I will be earning money for 2 charities and I hope my story brings hope to people suffering from all matter of issues that healing is ALWAYS possible if you BELIEVE you will be healed and you seek out qualified professional help.
Hi Ruth,
Thank you very much for your comentary; it’s realy true that courage and confidence are necesary to take action and we need to have them in order to help more people.
Hapy New Year
My heart has been telling me to pursue movement based expressive arts. The fear whispers, “How will you make a living? There aren’t many job opportunities in that area!” Despite the fear, I will begin classes in mindful dancing and I’m applyinb to get into a movement based expressive arts program. I am so afraid that it will be a waste of money… and afraid that I won’t be able to handle it with a full time job. I am feeling the fear and doing it anyway. 🙂
I so agree with what you have written, Ruth, as reflected in a personal life experience. When I graduated with my Master’s degree I applied to be an instructor in the graduate program, and the head of the department hired me, much to my surprise. The first several years I taught I felt like any moment the students would realize I really didn’t know what I was talking about. I was scared, and almost quit several times. But something inside me invited me to stay, so I did. Now, after teaching there for 27 years, I do have confidence, and I frequently get emails from students telling me I was their favorite professor, and they would like to get together with me.
Christine, I am in Sacramento and would love to connect with you. I probably do not know too much of the text book psychology but I think I am learning a lot of practical aspects of this thinking.Inspired by this thread , here I am writing to you!!!!
I have just taken the initiative and invited members of our local University of the Third Age to attend an introductory lecture to learn about the new 8 month course that I am devising entitled The Psychology of Mindful Aging.
My aim is to investigate the role that neuroplasticity plays in the life of seniors in terms of their memory, emotional control and handling of stress.
The course will be run with a group of about 10 people who attend two 2 hour meetings per month – the one meeting offers practice of mindfulness together with a theme for the day. That same theme is investigated in the second monthly meeting with an emphasis on the cognitive aspect.
Participants will have a workbook which I am devising, and will be referred to the latest internet research from some of my favorite sites.
Hi Grace
That sounds great
I know of two women that facilitated a group as such, with mindfulness, but without the neuroscience, in Israel
I’d love to see your syllabus, if possible
Kindly
juditta
I’m starting a doctoral program in Educational Leadership (on line!) – today – even though I’m over 79 years old and not very good at all at computers……….Scary, not because of the intellectual challenge (just thinking about that would have been a major challenge several years ago) but because the task itself looks totally overwhelming!
Hi Beryl. See my comments above yours! I am 76 years old. Why don’t you send me an email so we can discuss our “braveness” together?
My email address is grace@kingsley.co.za.
I live in Cape Town
just by chance ruth’s comments on confidence arrived at the same time as the following from somebody who is sponsoring a q and a with gangaji. i have heard gangaji many times, very wise, if this is not seen as advertising, i would like to pass it on to others for helpful insights.
(and thank you for the wonderful comment from kathy vance)
———————————————————————
“So much of what hampers us from obtaining this feeling of freedom — and the peace, joy and love that bubbles up with it — is our own lack of self trust.
When we learn to trust ourselves, Gangaji tells us, we begin to discover what it is to be free of ourselves — to get out of the way.
In the following 4-minute video, Gangaji shares more about what we need to know and practice to trust ourselves more:
Watch video >> “Trusting Yourself, Trusting Life” with Gangaji
Trusting yourself is the skill of surrender, and it is one of the core teachings in Gangaji’s upcoming course
.
I also really like what you say about confidence. After working in mental health clinics for years I started my own private practice but have been hampered by a lack of referral sources and by my timidity in advertising myself on the web. In the new year I plan to advertise myself better: will offer therapy for elders, particularly those who are grieving losses (such as spouses, friends, pets, health), and plan to focus particularly on the use of mindfulness and yoga in my psychotherapy practice.
Thank you, Ruth. You hit the nail on the head. I’ve moved to a new state, and I notice I hold back because I don’t feel “known” yet. Nevertheless, I’ve started working to bring the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA), created by Howard Glasser, to our public Schools. NHA is an amazing process that helps adults to give no energy to negativity (inside themselves and in their kids’ behaviors), to recognize and energize small steps toward greatness (first in themselves and then in their kids), and to set clear limits to reset negativity quickly and unceremoniously, to restore themselves and kids back into the game, and to repair what they’ve broken. We expect teachers to know these things as if by magic. Two teachers became tearful when I gave them evidence of their greatness. Both said no one had ever done that before. I am imagining what will change when teachers shift their focus from pushing PERFORMANCE to documenting GREATNESS. I just did it, and it feels amazing.
A simple and innlglieett point, well made. Thanks!
I have a smal “general Psychotherapy practice” for the past 25 years. I intentionally do not want to be perceived as an expert. I intentionally want to be perceived as an experienced generalist. Any offers to appear on radio or television are thoughtfully considered and kindly declined. I treasure an anonymous life. My dedication is to being as a listener not a talker. My grandfather was a Quebec woodsman. Humans have taught all other woodland beings to hide when we are afoot. So I learned to present my energy to limit their fears. The woods are a busy place for me with lots of wound euros encounters.
My friend Bawa is originally from Ghana (we knew each other there). His experience is this “in Canada if you tell someone of your weakness – they will use it against you, think less of you”. In Ghana “they come to you to help you, and don’t use the information to hurt and limit you”.
It is my experience that these two threads tie together.
Perhaps it is the professional unity between law (punishment) and health (professionals)… that may render the client even more vulnerable and susceptible to influence from an external authority rather than finding their own internal courage and the ques for its manifestation.
I’ve gone on a little long here this morning and my cup of tea is finished. Perhaps it is my Buddhist practice of 35 years that keeps me appreciative of such a comfortable space here. I look out my living room window and can see my office from here, making my commute in downtown Toronto, likewise – effortless. It’s not a life of bliss. It is though a life that can recover from high Sea waves, and from interal cargo that is buffeted when the moorings snap. I heal, they heal, we heal, in an on-going practice.
I am not my clients expert. I am their friend in the woods. We meet, they leave, and we know more about each other and ourselves because of our meeting.
Beautiful and inspiring Kathy. I heal, they heal, we heal…Thank you.
Loved this .. . wish I had someone to grow with here with this outlook! Thank you for the share.
Thank you for sharing. I have always sought to present myself as an educator teaching emotional self-care and wellness skills. I have sought to prevent people from giving up their power by making me an authority figure. Now I see no contradiction in owning my expertise while continuing to focus on their reclaiming their own authority. Allowing them to see and acknowledge the wisdom that comes from my talent, life experience, and ongoing training does not interfere with their doing what is right for them in the right way and right way for the RIGHT REASON. The only right reason is always because they have come to know for themselves through their practice, what heals and empowers.
Absolutely Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Kathy,
What a lovely sharing!. Encouraging and enlightening. Love it. Thank you.
Hello,
I love what you have so succinctly said about confidence. Being a Wellness coach , and Coaching being action oriented , many of my clients do not feel confident in the empowerment of their health until after they take action. Much of the basis of my work is to motivate clients into action.
I have a client who lost close to 100 pounds. He now has the confidence to pursue other goals in his life such as finishing his education. Confidence coming as a result of achieving success is amazing to observe in others as well to experience it in my own life.
I can certainly identify with what Ruth is describing. Reflecting on my past thoughts & actions in life’s challenging/difficult situations, I often held back & withdrew from doing things due to my defensive feelings & lack of confidence (fear) that could have been beneficial & rewarding if I had pursued the challenge instead of withdrawing into safety. Much of this was due to repressed behavior (unconscious) which I had no control over, but there was also many times as I got older that I thought about the situation, but retracted into safety, probably largely due to a childhood learning style of seeking safety in an often unsafe environment of family dysfunction. I’m learning that only finding love & acceptance for myself & others, can my defenses drop enough to allow myself to be pro active in trying new things. Life aint easy, but apparently it isn’t suppose to be.
I am going to lead a workshop on IFS/ parts therapy even though I am afraid of public speaking.
I’m all with your business coach. Over and over, I come to being afraid I’ll lose something I value (like subscribers) if I go out on a limb. I almost always go out on the limb – from one limb to another. Just did a bit of limb climbing this morning. Lots of going out on limbs planned for the coming year.
Congratulations on all you are doing.
I appreciate the metaphor and your willingness to go out on a limb.
I would like to feel more comfortable networking with colleagues I admire and from whom could learn valuable skills; plus feeling good about what I offer to share it with others. I would like to offer larger-scope mindfulness classes, as well as expand my vision of spiritual support for clients. Thanks for the opportunity to articulate my new vision for 2015!