So often we make our lives far more complicated than they have to be.
We rationalize our fears instead of face them. We silence our voice instead of speak up. We care too much about what other people think of us and not enough about what we believe. We suppress our intuition and give our anxious mind center stage. We follow the opinion of others instead of following our own heart.
We do this because we want to feel accepted. We want to belong. We want to be loved. But this misguided search for love and approval — in all the wrong places — complicates our lives. It leads to more suffering and anxiety — the very thing we are trying to avoid.
It’s not always easy to face your fears. It can be painful and difficult to separate yourself from the limiting-beliefs and behaviors that have been with you for so long, they feel like your truth — but they’re not.
In the same way a growling stomach is a signal that it’s time to eat, emotional or mental pain is a signal that it’s time to grow.
It may seem impossible to believe, but letting go of those unhealthy attachments, facing the things that scare you, and releasing limiting behaviors is the easer and softer way to finding your center and feeling whole. Through a spiritual house-cleansing it’s possible to renounce the mental and emotional distortions that have kept you repeating the same patterns again and again.
Living in your truth not only requires you to face the hard stuff, but also to develop and embody mental and emotional qualities such as courage, calm, confidence, patience, focus, tranquility, devotion and resilience. Growth involves establishing appropriate boundaries, meaningful priorities, and personal values to guide you — especially when you can’t see the road ahead.
Today was one of the hardest (and most powerful) days of my life.
- I used my voice and spoke my truth even when it wasn’t easy
- I stood up for myself and my values even when I was afraid
- I faced a bully who wouldn’t face me — even when I asked nicely
- And I surrendered what isn’t mine to carry, so I could be free
Sometimes what matters more than the outcome, is how we show up. Your truth should not be complicated. It should be a guiding light, especially during times when things around you feel unstable and unsure.
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
- James Allen
It’s okay to stop hiding behind old beliefs, self-doubt, and anxiety. It’s okay to stop blaming other people, or situations, for why you can’t be happy, brave, and peaceful. It’s okay to face the things that scare you and surrende those things within yourself, or in your life, that don’t align with your truth. It’s time to listen to your soul’s calling, and believe in yourself.
Anxiety was my constant companion for years. Today it is feedback that helps me find my way back to my spiritual center.
You are worthy. You matter. Your truth deserves to be expressed.
To read more of my story of surviving anxiety, trauma, and alcoholism and finding my spiritual power, and to get a free copy of my book, “If I’m So Spiritual, Why Am I Still So Anxious?: How to Find Your Center & Reclaim Your Joy”, visit my website at www.joystonecoaching.com
