I took a spinning class on Saturday, and half-way through the exercise class I realized that it was perfect because of the metaphors the teacher was using to get us to spin on our stationary bikes to get a great workout. I translated her metaphors in my head into steps to use to make dreams and goals a reality.
Here are the steps:
First: Put everything away now. You have your cell phone, your computer, and your appointments. We all have them. We’re all distracted by them. But right now - put them all away. Just be here now. This is your workout. This is your time. This is your life. Allow yourself to be here for you, here for your life and here for your workout.
Second: We’re nearing the end. You’ve taken action steps. You’ve done so much to get yourself ahead, to propel your dreams forward. And here we are near the end. This is where people check out. They leave, they give up on themselves. It’s hard, they’re tired, and they opt out. I recommend that you decide otherwise. Will yourself to stay here. Stay present. Don’t check out. Complete it. Be here for this ride.
Now it’s the Last Bend, the Last Turn: You’re on an open road, smooth pavement, no cars – just you on your bike and up ahead is the Finish Line. Put what you want (your dream, your goal) at the Finish Line. See it there. Let it inspire and excite you. Ride toward it. Pump your legs, engage your will, take yourself to that Finish Line. Enjoy every moment of your ride toward the Finish Line/Goal/Dream.
Last: The ride is over. Relax, Let it in. Appreciate. Appreciate all you have right now. Appreciate your body. Appreciate your health. Appreciate your senses. Appreciate your friends. Experience awareness, presence and gratitude.
How did they get there?
Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote: “Eat, Pray, Love,” wrote: “I never had to search for my destiny; I only had to obey it. What am I here for? I’m here to be a writer. No doubt about it.”
Al Franken, U.S. Senator for Minnesota, who used to be a comedy writer and actor said: “By the time I decided to run for Senate, I’d already transformed my career – from being a comedy writer and performer to writing political books and hosting a daily public affairs radio show. So the decision was more a natural transition than a dramatic break from my past. My parents cared deeply about politics and impressed upon us its power to improve people’s lives.”
Joy Behar, Co-host of The View and Host of the Joy Behar Show says: “I was a funny kid, a natural performer. When I was 10 the Fuller Brush salesman would come to sell brooms and mops, and I’d make him hysterical. But I lost my confidence somewhere in the hideous teen years and pursed other things. I ended up becoming a high school English teacher; I was nearly 40 before I realized I was always the funny one at parties. I started doing a little stand up, and things took off. So I believe that people should do what they loved to do when they were 10 – the age before you start caring what other think.”
Josie Natori, Founder and CEO of The Natori Company wrote: “The day you don’t feel that rush of excitement, it’s time to move on. The goal is to have ever bone in your body engaged in your life.”
Andrea Bocelli said: “I graduated from university and practiced law, and I enjoyed it. But I knew my voice was special – even as a child, everybody asked to hear me sing, and I was happy to oblige. That’s how my destiny revealed itself. I came to believe that if you have a gift, you have an obligation to share it with others, it’s as simple as that.”
Do it. Whatever it is. If you have a dream, go ahead, take the risks, and make whatever sacrifices you possibly can. There may be some unfairness long the way. Whatever you do, keep moving forward.
And then surrender to the creative process of the Universe – let it go – Universe, God, Goddess, - let the unseen forces who love and support you take the reins now – you’ve done all that you can. It’s your time to relax and turn it over. Be here now.
Take a risk -- go where you've never gone and do what you've never done, Debbi, because both are necessary to have what you've never had and be who you've never been.
10 Things to remember:
Your presence is a present to the world
You’re truly one of a kind
Your life can be what you want it to be
Take the days one at a time
Count your blessings not your troubles
You’ll make it through whatever comes along
Within you are so many answers
Have courage
Be strong
Wish upon a star, and don’t ever forget
How very special you are.
