A leap of faith

'Just go for it'

'Whats the worst that can happen?'

'You won't know if you don't try'

We've heard these sayings before yes? From ourselves or a friend... Sound so simple don't they. Yet still putting yourself out there is one of the scariest things you can do.

'What if I fail?'

'What if I can't do it?'

'People might judge me'

The bad news is there is no secret recipe that will give you the courage to go out into the world and shine your light.

The good news is - you don't need one!

Whilst believing in ourselves doesn't always feel all that natural or easy. It is the ONLY thing that matters when it comes to being brave and having a go at something new.

Oh well - a bit of self belief why didn't I think of that?!

I know - I hear you!

It starts with LISTENING. Having a conversation with your deepest layers. And once you become better at this with practice - the rest falls into place.

No I'm not crazy... try this:

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Find a quiet space. It could be in the garden, the shower, lay in bed, in the car... wherever you can find some peace and stillness most easily.

Close down your eyes if that feels comfortable and try 2-3 minutes of conscious breathing... first into your chest and then into your belly. Slow, deep breaths. Preferably nasal breathing... but what's most important is that your exhale is longer than your inhale - only by the count of one or two seconds.

Consciously count if it helps.... try 5 seconds inhale, 6 seconds exhale.

Slowly.

This will calm your nervous system... regulate your body functions and create SPACE in your mind for the question you are about to ask yourself...

Ready - What do I most need from me today?

A walk, sleep, a vegetable, a laugh, a good read, the sun on my face, a talk with a friend, yoga? Listen to what she has to tell you.

And then - go give that to her....

This tiny little action of self LOVE is the first step to a long lasting love affair with yourself.

How often do we take the time to ask ourselves what WE need. Not the kids, partner, family, friends, colleague. WHAT DO WE NEED TODAY?

The little internal dance of celebration that happens when you listen to this little voice and honour your true self is well - quite wonderful. YES QUEEN.

Now then - imagine doing this every day. Lets say for a month.... Giving yourself these little nuggets of self love. Imagine how you might feel after a few weeks of repeating this exercise.

Connected, grounded, well, accomplished, capable, in tune, powerful even? By the simple yet oh so beautiful practice of slowing down and listening!

Over time we create healthy habits with the answers to this simple question.... our brain learns to give ourselves these things as a matter of course... which in turn leaves space for other answers to arrive when we ask our inner goddess what she needs.

Over time the answer might become, a challenge, to try something new, life experience, excitement, adventure.

And so - when we hear the response we must continue to think about how we honour that for ourselves.

A new hobby, signing up to a night class, online learning, reading, travel... YOGA (its always the answer and yes I'm biased).

Now these things are bigger than take a nap or eat a vegetable and they may require a little planning and time - wonderful... here you have the perfect 'self project'. A healthy focus for you to explore.

But if we continue to find the space and have a conversation with out inner goddess - and honour what she tells us - the MOST BEAUTIFUL thing blossoms - YOU DARLING - YOU!

Suddenly when we try something new, when it becomes time to put ourselves out there and take that leap of faith....

We do it irrelevant of anything or anyone else....

Why?

Because we are now well practiced at nourishing ourselves with whatever our inner self communicates with us. We are experts at listening and honouring that place. We know how to take care of us! We know how to read this internal compass of ours. And we know how to follow it.

And suddenly its not about having the confidence to do something or about the little voice that says 'oh but what if this is an almighty failure'.... its just about us and aligning with our true purpose... our dharma.

When we live according to our dharma - there is no leap of faith required. You are the faith.

“Discovering your dharma is not about going somewhere and finding something. It is not outside of you, but rather, it arises from going within.”

This has helped me hugely over the past couple of months as I transition from one chapter of my life into the next. Putting myself out there and shining my light (and not knowing whether anyone needs or wants that).

But by practicing the above - everyday! I came to realise - this isn't about anyone else anyway. I'm simply here... honouring my inner goddess and what she has to tell me.

What does yours have to tell you - start small... 'practice and all is coming' Pattabhi Jois.

Go shine your light... believe me someone somewhere in this beautiful world needs it - not least you!