fulfilling life that aligns with your spirit
The Power of Staying The Course
Published on 22 Apr 2010 at 11:49 am.
8 Comments.
Filed under Courage Series,Feature Articles,Personal Development Strategies,Spirituality & Inspiration.
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“When we come to the edge of all the light we have
And must take a step into the darkness of the unknown
We must believe one of two things
Either we will find something firm to stand on
Or, we will be taught to fly.”
by Patrick Overton Copyright © 1975 The Leaning Tree,
I wrote this article as a monthly contributor to Alex Blackwell’s blog, The Bridgemaker, which is a fabulous blog. I’ve added some additional thoughts to the original article post which I hope you enjoy.
The Power of Staying The Course
Have you ever felt stretched to the limit? You believe that you cannot handle one more thing. And if something more happens that causes additional stress, pain, and anxiety…. you worry you might not be able to keep it together and you will fall apart. And if there are others depending on you to be the “strong one” the pressure to hold things together becomes even more burdensome.
You might be facing relationship challenges, struggling to grow your business, dealing with family issues, money worries, debts, divorce, or an illness. You feel tired as if you have been in a battle and you just want a break, a time out, a space for things to be easier to catch your breath, at least for a while so that you can regain your strength for what’s next.
Some part of you is certain you will crash and burn while another part of you stands strong with a knowing that the place you are in is rich with growth opportunities with long term benefits if you will just stay the course. This part whispers, “Stay committed to your life path. Keep going and trust that all will be well.”
You take a deep breath, renew your commitment, and take that next critical step to continue walking in faith. The yearning to fulfill your life purpose can give you strength and courage to overcome your fears
and doubts.
I’m reminded of that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when he must take a step forward to get to the other side of a ravine and there is no bridge to cross. Once he takes that first step, a plank appears beneath his feet so he can cross safely. That’s how the Universe responds to faith when we surrender the resistance – it shows up. That movie clip is one of the memories I recall when I am feeling fear rising.
I’ve had several meltdowns in the last two months. I’ve been on my knees in prayer, alternating between sobbing and anger. I’ve been stepping out in my life and business in bigger ways and there have been financial, health, and time challenges that have created so much stress and stretched me to my limits. In this emotionally charged space I’ve travelled though despair, hatred, desperation, frustration, depression, discouragement, anger, fear, to hopefulness, optimism, positive expectation, enthusiasm, happiness, passion, joy, and love. I’m feeling a bit wiped out from this internal battle I’ve been waging inside to navigate through the messiness of this LIFE period.
I recall a dear friend asking me, “What if everything you are experiencing that is causing you pain and hardship was designed to bring you closer to your Divinity?”Â
That question resonated deeply in my heart to bring me peace and courage. I believe that every person and situation in our life is in service to our personal growth and soul evolution. And I want all the gifts, blessings, and miracles that have my name on it!
When we come to the end of our tolerance with life situations and must take that step into a greater unknown, our mind and ego goes into a panic. Our mind believes if we take that leap and push farther outside of the safety of our comfort zone, that it’s survival is at risk. If we continue, our ego fears it will die and then what? What will happen to us? Our thoughts race with panic and perceived danger. Our self-talk paints a bleak picture of worse case scenarios with the finesse and skill of a seasoned litigator seeking to woo us back to it’s version of safety.
My friend Brent says many people quit five minutes before the miracle happens. They come to a point where things feel too hard, too painfull, and too uncomfortable. So they back off and return to their comfort zone.
How about you?
- What are you totally committed to?
- Where is your breaking/braking point?
- Do you stop too soon and give up?
- Do you stay too long when it’s time to let go?
- What are you holding on to that is time to surrender?
- What do you want so badly you are willing to do whatever it takes?
- What fuels your courage and faith to stay the course no matter what?
Your past is a reflection of the choices you have already made. Each minute, each hour, and each day you make decisions that lay the groundwork for your future. Going the distance takes renewed commitment, trust, and faith that what we feel called to be or do is sanctioned by the Universe. It’s like walking through fire and knowing that you won’t get burned.
I havewritten that we are living in incredible times. It is no longer life as usual or business as usual. The world seems to be falling apart in so many ways which creates the space for new ways of be-ing and do-ing to emerge. In the chaos there is a Divine plan unfoldingwhich takes courage, faith, and trust to go the distance and ride the wave of change.
You might feel like a stranger in a strange land learning a new language. You might even feel a deep inner calm that is confirming that your life is aligning with Divine Will and Flow all is in perfection for what is next.
It is in perfection.
Right now in this moment
Let go of the problems and the evidence in your external world that binds you to worry and fear. That is a signal that you have disconnected from your Divinity and an invitation to go within for guidance and direction. For every problem, there is a spiritual solution. Remember to engage in the dance with the Universe rather than to fight against it.
Be open to all the ways LIFE responds to your call for help and say, “Thank you”. Every prayer is always answered for your best and highest good.
Stay the course….all will be well.
Blessings,
Lorraine
www.isayyesnow.com
Alex Blackwell on 22 Apr 2010 at 7:01 pm: 1
I love the line, “For every problem, there is a spiritual solution.” You are right. When we keep the faith and open our eyes to see the possibilities before us, we manage to see the solution, too.
Thank you Lorraine!
lorraine on 24 Apr 2010 at 5:43 pm: 2
Thank you Alex
That is so true. The key is opening your heart and mind to lift higher than the problem perecived to receive the guidance. Something I strive for personally
Richard | RichardShelmerdine.com on 28 Apr 2010 at 2:58 am: 3
Often when we think we are stretched to the limit that is all we are doing. Thinking about it. Our physical bodies can go through what our minds would consider torture and be fine within a few days. Mind made limitations are painful.
lorraine on 2 May 2010 at 6:36 am: 4
So true Richard
That is the shift many are making – moving into more faith, trust and courage in alignment with their spirit.
Laurie Johnston on 3 May 2010 at 2:52 pm: 5
This was what I needed to hear today.
I felt stressed and overwhelmed earlier but I am taking on each perceived problem at a time, in a love state of mind, remaining neutral to others emotions. I decided that it is what I think of the problem, not the problem itself.
I receive good results when I think I will which means I have moved into faith, trust and courage. Right?
lorraine on 3 May 2010 at 4:07 pm: 6
Beautiful Laurie
When you reach beyond the “problem: into a love state of mind which is expansive and open, you can lift into your spirit and connect with Source. What you can see is possible when you are aligned with your SELF, is greater and more inspiring than whenyou are aligned with your ego (your small human self). And yes, when you make that higher shift of consciousness, faith, trust and courage become powerfull guides.
I have upped my meditations to twice daily and for longer periods to deepen my relationship with Source.
Keep the faith
Hugs
Lo
Jody Spence on 19 May 2010 at 8:24 am: 7
I love your words of encouragement. They are well suited for this universal struggle. I am an artist and constantly asking myself if what I do is important enough to continue creating. I have a deep passion for all creativity so I continue to forge on.Live your life in color!!!!
lorraine on 19 May 2010 at 5:38 pm: 8
Thank you Jody!
I saw your art on FB and is it beautiful. The question you ask is one many asks especially when we we feel passionate about and feel called to do does not seem to be financially sustainable. That’s where I see faith, trust, and courage to be keys in going the distance and partnering with Source while transforming the beliefs and patterns that separate us from being in vibrational harmony with all the good that is ours to claim.