Catalyst for Change

Today I was talking to a coworker about her daughter going off to college for her freshman year. She was a shy girl and didn't know anyone at her school so her mom was worried about her. That made me think back to when I first went off to school. In high school I had been shy and introverted, always known as the nice, quiet bookworm. Those who knew me well were aware that I could be loud and opinionated at times. I was so happy when it was time to go off to college, because the people there didn't know anything about me and I could overcome the labels I had been given. I could reinvent myself.

We don't have to wait for these types of situations to arise in order to make a change in ourselves. We can reinvent ourselves every day! There are things that we may recognize within ourselves, that we don't really like and would like to change. Oftentimes we get used to acting and reacting the way we always have. We get stuck in a comfort zone. But if we are able to look at ourselves and realize that a change needs to be made, why not go one step further and try to put that change into action - make it real. If there is something you've always wanted to do, go out and do it! If there is a talent you've always wanted to explore, go for it! If there is a habit you need to break, go cold turkey, or make gradual steps to rid yourself of the behavior. If there is a real you living inside that you've been afraid to show, then feel free to let that other side of you creep out into your daily life! It is such a freeing feeling to reinvent yourself. It brings inspiration, motivation, and gives new life to every thing you do.

Sometimes we are concerned about what others will think of us if we allow other facets of our personality to come to the surface. Sometimes we don't pursue something due to a fear of failure, and other times we don't go forward for fear of success. But whatever the reason, freedom is one step away - and it is up to you to take that step. Even if it is a baby step, it is a step in the right direction.

I have to leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“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