May 2018

This time of the year is normally characterized by words like warm, hot, and sunny. Our last few weeks of weather have not followed the normal progression for a change in season. It appears that we may be in a holding pattern and need permission to move forward to warmer weather. The same is often true in our own lives. Life happens, we find ourselves going in circles, and then become frightened to move forward.
Webster defines a barrier as being a fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access. Barriers can present themselves in many forms, sometimes even camouflaging itself. One of the most critical barriers is our way of thinking! You’ve heard it before, “Change your mind, change your world!” You’ve got the strength to actually turn a barrier upside down and use it as a building block! When hitting a brick wall, don’t view it as defeat. Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all times noted, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. ”

Don’t allow your barriers to block you from fulfilling your purpose, instead use them as stepping stones.
When trying to move forward, whether professionally or personally, there are times when the load we are carrying is too heavy for the hill! Have you ever tried running a race with a backpack filled with 100 pounds of stuff? This stuff could be essentials like water and food or it could be things like your favorite boots and a blender. How much easier your race would be if you just dropped the dead weight of the baggage that you don’t need to cross the finish line? Necessities are the things that help you live, laugh, and love. Search your “backpack” and don’t be afraid to part ways with things that don’t aid you on your journey.
Who are YOU waiting on to give YOU permission to move forward in YOUR LIFE? Is it one of your parents, a spouse, a friend, a colleague, a random person in passing, your past? I hate to burst your bubble, but the only person who can give you to green light to move forward is YOU! There is so much greatness in you just waiting to be released! One of my favorite Dr. Suess books is clear, “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes…You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!” Move forward in peace and purpose!