Courage over fear means taking the step in a direction you wouldn't normally take or the one friends and family would say you're crazy to do. You don't need to have their input for you to make your move. Whatever the move is, whether you are literally moving to a new town, city, state, or country. Or, changing jobs. Or, entering into a new relationship with someone, or breaking up or getting a divorce. Only you know what is right for you. But if you listen to the news, or what your friends, parents, family, colleagues or business partners say, or even social media, you are letting someone else's ideas run your life.
We are all here to help one another so maybe letting someone help you form your ideas is okay, though ultimately, you are the one choosing the next step.
Someone might say they miss you. They want you to visit them. But do you miss them the same? Are you doing something for another hoping they'll do something for you in return? Letting your heart guide you over another's expectations will continue to support you in being your best self.
We need to focus on ourselves more. Be selfish in the way that allows you to take care of your health (mental and physical), wealth and well-being. You might disappoint people along the way, but in the words of Samantha Jones from Sex & the City, "I love you, but I love me more."
Taking up space and allowing yourself to be seen for who you are, who you truly want to be can be scary at first. "Will they like me? Will they approve? Will they still want to be my friend?" But when you "come out" and show up as you are, there's no more pretending, and no more wondering. Every day becomes a day of freedom from your out-dated self. You feel more free than ever before.
I always felt different from my friends. They liked rock and roll, and I liked R&B and Soul music. I listened to my first reggae album, Legend by Bob Marley & the Wailers while I was barely a teenager in summer camp and was hooked on reggae for life. I even considered buying a little cottage in Negril at one point. IYKYK. Just because you look a certain way, doesn't mean you have to follow the guidelines of what your community deems as a universal way of being.
Being seen is more than publishing selfies, although that's one way to do it.
When you take up space in this world, you are publicly declaring, "I matter." And you do, whether you choose to sit in the corner and be quiet, in the back of the classroom, or in the front row. You've always mattered.
Something else I share in this episode is the Life Class metaphor. It's a way for us all to accept death as part of the roles each of us plays, as we each have our own path, or class. When we die, even if it seems unfair or unjust, or someone died too soon, or died from natural causes, it can weigh heavy on our heart. Watch below for the metaphor.
When our classes end, it doesn't mean the person didn't graduate with honors. We all serve in our unique ways, and have unique class syllabi. And, often, we each came to do exactly as we were meant to even if to an outsider it might look different.
So, take up space. Let yourself be heard, and allow us to appreciate and learn from you.
Be courageous to be yourself, even if someone doesn't like or approve of you. You need to be okay with how you lead your life. It will make a huge difference for you and help you to live the life of your dreams.
Watch the episode here, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
'Til next time, be brave, be kind to yourself, and always remember, you have the power to heal.
With love,
Lisa Eve
Courage Is Your Birthright
