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Celebrating Possibility

7/29/2018

8 Comments

 
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I’ve never considered myself a particularly big risk taker, but as I reflect back on my life, I recognize that there have been plenty of chances taken along the way.  Since we can never really know how things will turn out, many possibilities require some degree of courage for us to step into them. 

With that said, there are some decisions that feel riskier than others.  Those moments when we’re trying something we really aren't sure we can do, taking a chance on our biggest dream, or putting our hearts out there on the line.  The times when it would just be easier to go on steadily doing what we’ve always done, what we know works, what feels comfortable… 

As I remember moments when I did take a chance, I can feel a huge smile throughout my whole being that tells me these times in my life are a big deal!  There is something enticing, magical,  rewarding (and scary) about stretching beyond what’s comfortable or known to go for something you really want. 

Two years ago today I had one of my biggest, most joyful OMG moments! I was in Taos when I had received a voicemail from my publisher saying, “I have good news about your book…”  Since I had just submitted my final approvals a few days earlier I presumed it was moving forward. No surprise there.  I’d call him on Monday when I was back home.   

But no… that night in the Albuquerque hotel I receive a text from a dear friend: “Your book is ON Amazon!  I just ordered it - it’ll be here Tuesday!”  What??  I hadn’t even held a copy in my own hands yet!  Are you kidding me?  Let me tell you, there is something very bizarre about searching for yourself on Amazon and finding your book there!  But a few clicks later, and, there it was!! 

I can still feel the heart-pounding, shaky, tingly, smiling from the inside out, beaming through every cell of my body feeling as I remember that moment.  It was truly surreal and magical… a dream come true! It had taken two years to get to that point and many moments of wondering if I'd ever see that day - doubt, fear, self-criticism... they all could have stopped me at any point along the way. 

Today I celebrate that moment because it represents the super-charged joy that comes from taking something that once felt impossible and bringing it into reality!  I celebrate it for me and for those around me who I see taking a chance every day.  I celebrate the times we step toward a greater goal even when things don't work out as we had hoped.  Because at least we have tried.

The opportunities we take often become our most rewarding memories  Buying a house, adopting a baby, changing careers, traveling across the world, putting in the proposal you never really expect to get, hosting your first art exhibit, starting a business, retiring, saying “yes” to that first date.  These are all decisions that come with vulnerability, challenge, and uncertainty. There is no guarantee of success or happiness, but there is a satisfaction that comes from knowing that you felt the nudge, and you went for it. 

Life is full of possibility, so make the choices that make you happy. The ones you know on some level you are meant to take. You should go for the opportunities that bring out your gifts, the ones that bring true joy, the ones that let you shine your light!  Life is short.  Life is uncertain.  So, for heaven’s sake, go for the joy of being fully alive while you’re here!  You don’t want to miss it. 

Somewhere inside we all know when there’s a chance worth taking. It often comes with a strange blend of excitement and anxiety, although there's no real danger.  Give yourself the possibility of finding amazing, unexpected joy, love, or the thrill of gazing at some creation that came about because you said “yes!” 

Grant yourself moments of awe as you take in the beauty around you – in the art you’ve created, the vacation you’ve allowed yourself to take, the home you've created, or the loving relationship you dared to let in.  Breathe it in – let it nourish your soul!  These moments deserve to be scattered throughout your life! 

Is there a place in your life where you’re holding back rather than going for something that is calling you?  What would help you take that first step? 

What chances have you taken and how have they been worth it? 

Please join the discussion in the comments below!  We love hearing from you. 

8 Comments
Christine
7/30/2018 09:43:30 am

Beautifully said Barb. Thank you for sharing your story about possibility and vulnerability to take a chance on ourself!

Reply
Barb
7/31/2018 11:58:58 am

My pleasure! Thank you for reading!! I think maybe one of the hardest things for us (me, at least) to do is to take that chance on ourselves and believe in what we are doing! And, when we do, it's so worth it on so many levels! Thanks for being part of the community and sharing your reflection.

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Steve
7/30/2018 12:16:25 pm

Nice piece of wisdom, Barb!

Reply
Barb
7/31/2018 11:57:27 am

Thanks, Steve! Glad it spoke to you.

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Christina Ivanna link
7/30/2018 01:04:29 pm

I can relate! I just produced my first CD, Strings of Light (as you know because you were one of my wonderful supporters on Kickstarter). I have spent most of my life following my gut! It came to me naturally, but also I appreciate all those others out there who joined me in my efforts. I like the word, possibilities. You write beautifully and it is important for us all that someone like you reminds us to go for it! The rewards are great, more than one would expect. Thanks for the wonderful article.

Reply
Barb
7/31/2018 11:56:47 am

Celebrating with you, Christina! I'm so glad you went for it and are having fun with the CD moving forward! Possibilities are one of my favorite things in the whole wide world! When we see them and follow them, it's amazing how our life can unfold. I appreciate you taking the time to read, reflect, and share your thoughts here! Glad to have you as part of this community!!

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Anne link
7/30/2018 08:54:22 pm

Well said Barb.Your book sits on my bedside stand. All of your "invitations" speak to me,each depending on what I am going through that particular day. As you know I took a "leap" a couple of years ago to become a full time artist. Like you said it's been an amazing journey. I am looking forward to the Coming home to yourself retreat next weekend. See you soon! With gratitude.

Reply
Barb
7/31/2018 11:53:55 am

Thank you, Anne. I am so glad this post and the book speak to you. Yay to your leap and amazing journey!! These are the moments that can be so scary and exciting all at once. Glad you're embracing it and look forward to sharing retreat with you!! Much gratitude to you for chiming in and being part of this community!

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    About me...

    I am a writer, coach, and teacher, and I love capturing life's many moments through writing, whether that be journalling, blogging, poetry, or essay.  I have always found the written word as a natural way for me to express what lies within.  

    This is the space where we get real.  I will write about my life experiences and things that I find my clients encounter in their daily lives.   

    What's real for you? What would you like me to write about?  Feel free to share with me topics you would like to see discussed and please join in the dialogue through the comment section. Your engagement makes the blog a much richer place to hang out!

    Thank you for joining me on this journey!!    

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Barb Klein
Inspired Possibility
585-705-8740
barb@inspiredpossibility.com