Change. Such a simple little word , by definition it means to make or become different. This tiny little word holds so much power. This word has the ability to make all things new; so why do we fear it so much? Over the past several weeks I have done some reflecting and I have come to the realization that I let this little word imprison me and hold me back. It held me back for a lot longer than anyone I think truly understands.

I was watching a documentary a while ago about prison life and while the inmates are in prison all they do is talk about how great it will be when they get out. As the release day approaches they start to become anxious. You would think that they would be excited but no, they are fearful.  They have been in one situation for so long and even though some of them are in horrible conditions they are still fearful about leaving. They are imprisoned in their comfort zone.   In California 70% of inmates return to prison. Why is this? Fear of change.

Does this only happen in prison life? No way. 

About 6 years ago I was unhappy with something I was heavily involved with however I was really good at what I was doing and it had a lot of great points to it yet on the inside I was very unhappy. I kept trying to convince myself that you have to take the good with the bad. I kept trying to convince myself that the grass is not always greener on the other side and I needed to stay where I was. Even though I was unhappy on the inside, I put on a smile and kept trucking on. Why did I do this to myself? Fear of Change.

What are you smiling about on the outside but hurting about in the inside? What do you need to change but fear? 

One day I finally got the courage to change my situation and if things didn’t work  out the consequences could have been dire for my family. Some how, some way, I found the courage and I let it go. I walked away not knowing what the outcome was going to be. If you have been following my journey this year then you know that everything worked out just fine but as I look back I have many emotions about this situation. It hit me that the life I was living was in a way like being in prison.

I lived my days in fear of getting in trouble. I was unhappy. I kept making excuses. When I talked about how unhappy I was I was convinced by others it was not any better anywhere else, I felt a huge sense of responsibly to my family. I made a decision and I was doing my time. Looking back I feel as if I were blind  and I could only see a foot in front of myself. I had put myself in a tiny circle and I couldn’t see past the circular prison walls.

Why did I allow so much fear to hold me back? 

I was just too afraid to step out into the unknown. I was unhappy with my situation yet I stayed all because of fear of change. I limited myself to that tiny little circle because it was my circle of safety. It was the world that I knew. It was my “somewhat happy place”.  Through the power of Faith I was able to break free from those walls and now I can see so clearly. Part of me wants to laugh, part of me wants to cry and part of me just wants to reach others with my message.

No matter what you’re facing, you’re not going through it alone. There is a HUGE world out there and if you want to explore it you have got to step out. Break free from your prison walls, take off your blinders and see what the world has to offer. It’s a pretty awesome place out here. We live in a free country, go explore it. Don’t allow things to get in your way. Do not allow someone to hold you back, especially if the biggest person is yourself.  Get out of your own way and understand that YOU are the one that holds the power to make things different. 

Life does not come with a remote. You must change it yourself. 

If your looking for change whether it be with your relationship, your career, or a life situation, I would love to come along side you and see you through to the other side. If you are serious and ready to change, please consider working with me as your John Maxwell Team certified coach. I offer coaching programs as well as a wonderful business opportunity through Life Health and Prosperity.

Last week I was out of town with my hubby for a national training event. It was a great trip, just him and I and 18,000 other people with our direct sales company.  Since we were away together and didn’t have the children we figured we would indulge a little and enjoy as much as we could. Just as we were heading to the airport we decided to grab a bite to eat at local chain restaurant.

 Now this restaurant was known for its amazing pies and as soon as I saw that beautifully sculpted lemon meringue pie sitting in the pie case I could just hear it calling my name. I quickly got to my seat and told my hubby that since I have been so good on my new health and wellness journey this year I would order a very small lunch and reward myself with a piece of that pie.

Our lunch came out and the server walked away. I ate half of my lunch and waited. and waited. and waited. Continue reading →