Friday, December 12, 2008

Jump To Your Success

For girls born in the 1970s there was one thing you had to know how to do - jump. Double-dutch style. The lure of the ropes was intense, the competition fierce, and the movement of the ropes was mesmerizing. Everyday there were girls turning ropes in sync while another girl bobbed her head, moved her body back and forth, and went into a zone where she couldn't really hear anyone but the voice in her head telling her when to GO. And then, she would jump into those ropes, moving in coordination, as if her and the ropes were doing their own private dance. On the sidelines young voices would call out, "10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 110, 2...."

She would keep jumping for as long as she could and the numbers would go higher and higher, the voices filled with excitement around her. The thrill was in the anticipating of jumping and in actually being in the ropes.

Your success is the same way. The preparation should fill you with as much joy as the moment of actually being in your element. The process itself can be thrilling. The way to enjoy your dream and truly live a successful life is to appreciate it from all sides. Just like Double-Dutch, although it may appear that you have gotten "out" and lost your turn, there is always another game waiting to get started. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, but it will be your turn again and all you have to do is remember when to move your body, get in motion, and hear that "10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 110, 2...."

Enjoy every moment of your success.

Live a Life You Love!
Natasha Munson
Author of Love Lessons for My Sisters: How to Find and Keep All The Love You Deserve!
http://www.sisterlessons.com

Monday, December 8, 2008

Name That Negative

When I was growing up there was a strong, loud voice that called me names and told me I wouldn't amount to much of anything. At the time I simply thought the person telling me that was crazy. I was a child then and could not tell my father how crazy and mean he was to talk to me like that. Little did I know that his words had taken root in my soul.

Regardless of the accomplishments I have made in my life there is always a voice that tells me it isn't enough. That little voice does the best it can to put me down and give its negative view of things. It tells me I'm not worthy of my success, not special enough to achieve anything great. It tries to lull me into a depressed state of being.

I came to a point though when I really wanted that voice to stop. Eventually I responded with a few choice words of my own.

"Thank you, Leroy," I said. "Thank you for your opinion. I don't believe that." Right then and there I named that negative and neutralized it.

It doesn't mean the voice magically stopped. It is still very present but not as strong. I've learned to tell "Leroy", my negative, to shush and keep it moving. I have a message to share and I do not have to be perfect in order to share it. There is no perfect person. What I must be, and what I am, is honest and sincere about my mission. I understand that voice only has as much power as I give it.

I believe that so many of us are held back from greatness, from loving ourselves, and from living fulfilling lives because there is a little voice chipping away at our soul. We give it the strength to break us down and nearly tear us apart. We allow it to stop us from dreaming big and living large. When that voice arises simply: acknowledge it, name it, thank it and release it. Exhale and keep pursuing your dream. You deserve what you want. You are worthy of living a fabulous life. You were not put here to struggle and survive. Focus on thriving. Focus on loving your life.

Live a Life You Love!
Natasha Munson
Author of Love Lessons for My Sisters: How to Find and Keep All The Love You Deserve!
http://www.sisterlessons.com