Old Paths are Easy to Follow

Upon realizing that exposing any level of vulnerability to The Soccer Player immediately triggers fears of unworthiness, I decided to do a little internal exploration.  I found that when vulnerable feelings arise, I immediately veer onto the old, well-worn, path of unworthiness. After all, an old path is easy to follow. Blazing a new path is hard work!  So now I see that trigger, vulnerable = left-turn to Unworthy Street.  So what happens if I go straight through that intersection and blaze ahead on a path that may not be clear, but is certainly new.

What happens if I let the vulnerability feeling flow - can I somehow retrain myself to not fear that my unworthiness will be exposed?  That it is ok to open up, because if it isn’t a fit - then better for me to continue to the path of my true self than to hide myself and seek validation from someone who, ultimately, does not have the right to judge nor validate who I am.  Is there a way to have enough confidence that when my true self shows through (because isn’t that vulnerability - showing who you really are) - I am shining. Not offending.  My insecurities show I care, not that I am weak.

I’ll try very hard not to take the left turn and to stay straight. Because my Personal Legend (thank you The Alchemist), does not include being jaded or crippled by insecurity. My Personal Legend is living in the realm of love. Extending that to others. And contributing my part to make the world a more loving place.

Making Mistakes and Learning the Language of the World

When I read the Alchemist I was so moved by the beauty and relevance of the book that I referred to it in a post: Thoughts from the Alchemist

This week Oprah interviewed the author of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho - it was a beautiful interview with many gentle insights along the way that both warmed the heart and opened the eyes. Part 1 is available to watch online here.

One of my favorite quotes from the interview was, “You are always guided to meet the right person at the right moment” - there are many times in my life that I remember the exact moment that I knew someone was coming in to my life at the right moment.

Perhaps the most famous quote from the book is, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

A combination of those two powerful thoughts has always been one of my guideposts - for example, I knew that I should write this blog. Even if it only touched one person, the right connection was established at the right time. I have a hunch that those of you who read this, found it at the right time in your life as well.

One of Paulo’s most poignant thoughts was when he said that in order to learn the 'Language of the World’ we must make mistakes. We will misstep when we are walking down our path and realize that is not the right way for us, and get back on the path. Then perhaps we step off again, but that is how we learn to read the signs that help guide us down our path - which will ultimately lead us to our own ‘Personal Legend’ (and if you want to learn more about what a Personal Legend is then you’ll have to read the book!)

Part 2 will air next Sunday on OWN.