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Picture this, you’re busting your behind to make your mortgage payment, while staring at the growing pile of bills beside your desk and you’re frustrated.  You’re tired and you’re cranky and then you get another commercial in your email box from an “expert” who has the key to unlocking your fortune. 

Their copy is top-notch.  You’re emotionally invested in what they’re saying and you may even be nodding your head when they tell you how awful it feels to be swimming in debt.  Then they assure you they were there too.  Next, they’re dropping hints on what it takes to get out of the hole and into the good life.  Even in this economy.  “What recession!?” They scoff.  Making you feel a little dumb for feeling so overwhelmed.

You’re watching them live the good life via their e-zine and then this comes along.  You’ve read the Law of Attraction books, you know The Secret and you’ve been admonished time and again to follow the opportunities that are presented to you.  So you quiver and hit the “Count me in” button to see how much the opportunity to learn how to get to the good life will set you back.  And even you’re surprised to see it’s a multi-thousand dollar ‘opportunity’. 

You want to believe that THIS is your sign.  That THIS seminar will change your life and set you flowing in the direction that will change everything.  That if you commit with your checkbook, you’ll really be motivated to do whatever they tell you to get on the other side of the debt line.  But then you look at the stack of bills, and worry.  You take a deep breath and call your credit card company asking for an increase – which is denied but at least they didn’t snicker this time.  You may even call a friend, a parent or a sibling and ask to borrow the money.

But, it doesn’t feel good.

In fact, it feels rather painful.  Your stomach is churning and your palms are sweating.  “But, my coach says that if my palms are sweating I’m onto something,” you convince yourself.

What do you do now? 

How does this story end for you?  Do you take out a second mortgage to finance your trip? And if so, are you able to focus and absorb and learn while you are there — or are you too distracted by the creditors calling your cell phone while you’re at the conference?

Or do you make the decision to stay home and resent the factthat you’ll never get of your bind, blaming yourself for all the awful mistakes you’ve made along the way.  Resenting that pair of jeans you bought on sale at Nordstroms last month and snarling that if the price of gas wasn’t so expensive you wouldn’t have to struggle like this.

What if there was another option?

Maybe, just maybe, you’re the one in charge.  You get to decide, not the guru, coach or seminar leader in question. 

What if you chose from a place of power to take care of one step at a time and get yourself to a point of financial comfort before investing in the “one-and-only-cure-for-what-ails-you.”  I mean, if it really was the one and only cure, why would you need to go back, again and again?  Why are so many different people proffering it?

What if you chose to invest in yourself by taking action today to move forward, on your own terms?

And here’s how you do that:

• Accept the price of gas is what it is, but choose to see yourself vibrant and whole anyway.
• Believe the best about yourself and don’t listen to anyone who tells you differently.
• Find quiet time each day to reflect on what gifts you actually have – health, loving partner, joyous children, fresh air, pets, etc.
• Ask yourself each morning, “what ONE thing can I do today to take control of what’s ailing me?” Your answer is different from everyone else’s — and that’s okay.  You’re unique and valuable just like you are, so do what you do best and move.
• Don’t accept set-backs as signs that you’re not worthy.  Accept them as detours from the Universe, pointing you in the best direction for you. 
• Approach each day with a sense of wonder and play.  Enjoy the moments as they come and be curious and open to laughter.
• Stop negative self talk.  Change your words when you talk to yourself or about yourself to others.  Self deprecation is self-defeating.  Use positive self talk and see how much better you feel.
• Create a realistic goal, write it down, make it public and challenge yourself.  Whether it’s to double your income in 30 days, lose 10 pounds by Christmas or pay off one credit card by the end of the year.  Write it down and do ONE thing each day to accomplish the goal.
• Rewardthe little steps.  If your goal is to double your income in 30 days, and you have a list of Action items that must be completed to get there, recognize and reward the completion of the action steps.  Even a half-hour walk in the woods is a reward that you can look foward to.
• Believein yourself and don’t put your eggs in anyone else’s basket.  It’s good to be part of a group and it’s wonderful to have mentors and guides, after all “no [wo]man is an island.” 
• Trust your Source.  Some call it Spirit, the Universe, God or Goddess, Nature – no matter what term you feel comfortable with — all your guidance comes from a power that is both within and outside of you.  It operates on a higher vibration, get used to listening for the whispers of Divine guidance and you won’t be disappointed.

So friends, what steps are you going to take today to regain control of your Life’s Purpose?  How will you step forward and Awaken Your Soul? 

Remember, it’s the journey that’s important, not the destination.  Share your thoughts here!

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