An opportunity comes knocking. That opportunity sounds like something that might be of value to you. You visualize how that opportunity might play out. And then … it’s gone.
How many opportunities have passed you by or that you have let pass by? During those moments, thoughts like, “I can’t afford it, I don’t have the time, I’m scared, I’m sure everyone else has all the answers,” creep in, and the next thing you know you’ve talked yourself out of an opportunity. However, the self-talk most likely doesn’t stop there. The opportunity is gone and now there are possible feelings of guilt, frustration, and wanting to kick yourself in the behind. You can’t believe you let yourself miss out once again. Fear is one of the biggest contributors of missed opportunities.
Who likes to climb trees? Come with me and imagine climbing a tall, solid and full, apple tree. The apple tree provides lots of shade and produces delectable fruit. Mmm, I can smell the apple pie I’m going to bake this very moment. The apple tree has limbs of all sizes, lengths and strengths going in every direction. What will be the deciding factor as to which limb you will choose?
I recently attended a coaching conference in Michigan. During a breakout session with presenter, Mary Cravets, a Client Generation Expert and International Speaker, this quote was shared: “Go out on a limb; that is where the fruit is.”
What if deciding to hold on to the trunk leads to missed opportunities to see what is beyond? The fear that might be holding you back is false evidence appearing real. Change that state of fear to an awakening of excitement, a valuable lesson, and a golden opportunity.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
What limb are you contemplating to experience as you let go of the trunk? Step out on that limb with all you have in order to create more for your life, because that is where the fruit it.
