Where are you trying
to make something work that doesn't work? You might recognize it by how much
time you spend looking at it, this way and that way, and then this way and that
way again – trying to see something that isn't there, feel something that you
want to feel….
In the late fall, I was in
Bloomingdale's to have a repair made on a coat I had purchased. As I was waiting for an assistant I was struck
by a lovely woman trying on an exquisite shearling coat with fur at the sleeves
and collar – a perfect coat for the coming winter.
It was perfect for
the coming winter, but what about for her?
Her expression was
one of concern as she preened hesitantly in front of the assistant and the
mirror at the same time. She fingered where the coat came together in the front.
She checked upon checking the amount of room in the chest area, questioned upon
question how it might look with a blazer or heavy sweater underneath, smoothing
it down her sides, plumping up the collar...
The sales assistant left to do something else and the woman in
the coat, still positioning herself in the mirror, looked at me. "Since you
don't work here I want to get your opinion. What do you think of this coat?" she
said viewing herself. I looked at the coat and her in the coat and said what
was obvious to me. "It's a beautiful coat but it's not the best color for you."
She questioned me a couple of times, trying to find a way to
make me see it differently. I left her saying, "And what's most important is
whether or not you love it and feel great in it."
She spent a great deal more time with the sales assistant when
she returned and finally purchased the coat. She wasn't smiling when she left.
The coat was perfect for the winter but it wasn't perfect for
her. She knew it on some level but wanted to make it be perfect for whatever reason.
Did I ever relate to that scene? It was an "aha" moment that
really landed.
I expect the woman with the shearling coat will wear it once or
twice, maybe a few times more, but she will never feel just right when she does
and it will eventually end up forgotten in the back of her closet.
Where in your
business – or other area of your life - are you trying to make something work
that doesn't? You'll recognize it because it doesn't light you up, it's hard
work, doesn't unfold easily and because it's effortful and doesn't really go
anywhere.
It is likely a
"should." Or somebody else's great idea or program. The "shoulds" are
externally driven. They come from the outside, not our own truth and knowing.
Or we see other people doing things with so much heart and
passion and thriving, and we want that. Just like we see a beautiful winter
coat on the first cold day of fall and we want it!
We try to make it
fit for us but what we really want is to be engaged in something that comes
from our heart, about which we are passionate. In our hearts we want to thrive,
not simply survive.
Heart and passion are
requirements of thriving. We can be passionate wearing something exquisite in
which we feel rich and warm and beautiful in the coldest days of winter – if
that something is right for us.
The simple and
powerful question is, "Is it right for me?" I like to use the "WOW" factor - "Is it
a "WOW?"
If you need to convince yourself or be convinced by others, it's
likely not right for you. On an essential level, something either works or it
doesn't. Make a habit of checking inside, with you, and follow your inner
knowing to the best of your ability.
Getting input from others can help you see things and get clear
when you have blinders on that we all sometimes do. But when it comes to making
a decision, for it to be powerful and empowering, it has to be true for you.
Here's a simple
exercise for you:
¨ Take a few moments
and think about three things in your business or in other areas of your life
where there is a rub, hesitation or uncertainty and write them down.
¨ Ask yourself of each
of them, "Is this right for ME?" You know already.
¨ If yes, give
yourself over to it wholeheartedly. If no, let it go. Ultimately it's as simple
as that.
You've just stepped
into your greatness by trusting your inner knowing and acting on its message. Now
you can freely move forward in your life.
Step into your greatness! It's the most natural thing you'll ever do and
it always works!
Reggie
Odom LICSW, CPCC, ,
founder of Inspired Works, is a Professional Coach, Intuitive Consultant, Spiritual teacher,
speaker and writer. She is also on the faculty of the National Institute of
Whole Health where she teaches a coaching series. Reggie is considered a master
teacher and unforgettable speaker. She inspires and guides Spirit Minded Women
Entrepreneurs to step into their greatness, with ease! She can be contacted at
(617)524-6153, reggie@reggieodom.com
or you can visit her web site at www.reggieodom.com.
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