Break free of your fear by making enlightened choices that align with your heart and not your head. Such enlightened choices, however challenging, will get you moving toward creating your dreams.
Several months ago when I was visiting a friend in NC, I took a stroll on the beach with the intent of beachcombing. My friend desired a sand dollar to place in a healing fishing net she was creating. I, on the other hand, wanted a sand dollar to support my intention of abundance.
While beachcombing with these requests to the universe, I sorted through a myriad of shells. Each time, I picked up a shell, I examined it, and decided if it resonated with my intention. I kept those that aligned with my heart, and returned the others to the sea. As I meandered along the beach, a swath of new shells washed up at my feet―including a perfect, whole sand dollar. Excited, I picked it up and placed it in my pocket to protect it.
A little later, my friend and I celebrated our rare finds with some yoga sun salutations on the beach. I forgot about the delicate sand dollar in my pocket. A few downward dogs later, I reached in my pocket only to find my sand dollar in crumbs. But instead of becoming upset or angry, I blessed and released the sand dollar, along with everything else in my life that no longer served me, and simply trusted that a new choice would present itself.
Turning toward home, we took divergent paths along the beach. At about the halfway point, my friend walked toward the sand, while I headed toward the surf, each of us drawn to something we intuitively sensed. Simultaneously calling each other’s names, we saw that we were each holding up an exquisite sand dollar.
Like combing the beach for sand dollars, you have to carefully and discriminately sort through the myriad possibilities before making a decisive choice. This allows you to select the choice that aligns with your heart, and with your greater good. Then, let go of the rest.
A sacred strategy for taking inspired action is to keep following the path you are on as long as things are opening up and moving smoothly. When things aren’t going so well, stop, re-evaluate the situation, listen to your heart, and choose a different path. When doors open easily, you know we are being guided by spirit―but when you keep banging your head against the same closed door, pause and go where the doors open without a struggle.
When you feel anxiety during any decision-making process, give yourself permission to pause, open your heart, and breathe deeply. This “time out” will put you back in touch with your inner voice of spirit. This will enable you to respond to the situation by making the best possible choice with the knowledge and guidance you are given.
Act on intuitive hunches without overthinking, as intuition stems from heart and soul. You can tune into such inspiration by asking yourself: “What is motivating this choice? What’s the best use of my time and energy right now? What choice feels right for me at this particular time? In what direction do I feel drawn? And ultimately, does this choice support my soul’s path?”
Let go of the need to make the “perfect” choice. This pattern of perfectionism can keep you from making any choice at all. When you are fearful of making a wrong choice, remember that you can always choose again.
Finally, don’t judge yourself for having made a wrong choice. Instead, view your “so-called mistakes” as opportunities for transformation, steering you in a new direction and assisting you in seeing what your heart truly desires.
Jill Celeste says
What a beautiful allegory! I love how you find the most perfect sand dollar after your initial one crumbled. Thank you for writing this blog post! xoxo
Lore Raymond says
Appreciating your word wisdom, “If we feel anxiety during any decision-making process, we should pause, open our hearts, and breathe deeply. This “time out” will put us back in touch with spirit, …” Yeppers, I can remember to give MYSELF a time out! Hahaha! Your blog clearly expressed how much you connect with and love the beach, Deb. Happy you got some time there with your BFF and for your book signing, How did it go?
Sabra Zay says
Thank you for sharing your experience. I really liked the part that when you found that the first sand dollar was crushed that you weren’t upset about it. Its nice that you found a replacement but your reaction to the disappointment was where the magic was for me.
Barb Parcells says
Loved the story about the sand dollars! I just love when these types of messages appear in our lives!
Natasha Botkin says
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing! I love the beach and felt me there while I read. xoxo
Claudia LeBaron Islas says
“Time out” or “me-time” as I like to call them are necessary for all of us. We need to learn to slow down and pay more attention to our Self if we really want to have a joyful life.
Debra Reble says
Reminding myself that I always have a choice keeps me from being stuck. Thank you Claudia xo