We've all felt the tug at our hearts at one time or another. That emptiness from deep inside telling us we want something more from this life. Sometimes we move beyond it by putting our fears aside and claiming our heart's desire. Other times we continue to disguise our true identity and build layer upon layer of illusions and untruths about who we really are. It's on this very bargaining table that we lose sight of the beauty in our uniqueness. We come to believe we're not worthy of all the greatness our heart and soul yearns to enjoy. For many of us, outer experiences and influences play a heavy part in determining our direction and to some degree, even our self-worth. Seamlessly our original visions become shaped, molded and minimized. A good example of this is when you watch a young child at play. They have a curious energy about them. They laugh a lot, breathe in the adventure of life and explore the things they want to. They know no limits. Anything is possible in the eyes of a child. They dream big dreams and they believe. They always believe! But, as we grow into life, we slowly lose the child in us. We allow the "good opinion of others" to cast a shadow on both our dreams and our capabilities. The reality is we are the experts on our life and no one knows what's best for us. Only we do! The authentic power to do anything we want lies within us. Sadly, we neglect this important piece of child-like wisdom and step down from the many opportunities life has to offers us. Our internal conversation goes something like: What would they think? What if I fail? Who am I to deserve this?

Observe the next time you stop yourself from doing something that scares (yet excites) you. I'm sure you'll have a brilliant excuse as to why you shouldn't go for it but make no mistake there is a tape being played, deep within the recesses of your mind. These debilitating thoughts will play over and over again and hold you back in life until you acknowledge what's going on and choose to re-write your "script".

If we don't come to recognize when we're allowing self-limiting behaviour to guide us, we'll continue to operate from a place of smallness. And, it's in this place that we don't grow from our experiences but instead, we're held captive by them.

As the saying goes, "if you tell a lie long enough you'll eventually start to believe it". This also applies to any false illusions you have about yourself.

What if you looked in the mirror saw only beauty? And decided to love the person staring back at you, unconditionally? What if you focused on all of your natural gifts and chose to make this life extraordinary? …Starting today, right now, you began living your life on your own terms? Never settling for anything less than everything to you? How different would your life be?

Too many of us die in our 20's and are buried in our 80's. We forget to take the time, daily, to plant seeds of passion in our lives. To chase our dreams and dare to grow beyond our false illusions about whom we really are. We get caught up in the cycle that I like to call, creative sabotage where we find (creative) ways to undermine our abilities, underestimate our potential and convince ourselves that we're not worthy, capable or ready for the life we could have.

According to the latest scientific research, the average person uses only 1/100th of 1% of their brainpower over the course of their lives. Yes you read right….1/100th of 1% !!!

Respected researcher Ivan Yefremov has confirmed, "we could, without difficulty, learn 40 languages, memorize a set of encyclopedias from A to Z and complete the required courses of dozens of colleges."

Amazing isn't it? We don't even come close to utilizing our abilities and potential.

It is from a place of love and appreciation for the unique and special person you are that I say the following words to you:

This is your life. It's the only one you're given. Look for opportunities to grow and don't be discouraged in your efforts to do so. Make daily deposits of love, passion and gratitude in your life and choose to be on the cutting edge of your destiny. Take some risks. Uncover the child in you. Focus on your strengths; collect your history of broken pieces and re-create your dreams! Yes, your dreams! Because they matter and you are worthy!

There comes a moment when you must break free and make a stand for who you really are. That moment is now! A bigger life is only a choice away!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lisa Holba, Founder of Dream It-Do It, is a Personal and Career Coach.
You can visit her at http://www.dreamit-doit.ca