Me: I’ve had a bumpy road.
You: Who hasn’t?
Me: True. I hear ya.
You: So whattya think about it all?
Me: I think a lot of things. (Including how much it’s sucked at times)
But mostly I think about what a fascinating education it has been.
Spiritual ass-kicking at it’s finest;
Soul-work for the advanced student;
Freedom-fighting for the dedicated soldier.
And along the way I learned three irrefutable truths:
1. Everyone, everyone, is struggling with the same thing: fear of being her true self.
2. Meeting your highest creative capacity is inherently full of tension.
Ambition is always unrealistic. It’s designed to be just a tad out of reach.
It requires s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g and that stretch demands moxie.
3. It takes nothing less than obstinate, unrelenting courage to excavate the
truth of your identity + then live that truth even when it would be easier (way easier) to sell out.
Are you willing to be on your own leading edge – exposed, vulnerable and
LEAN INTO IT rather than shy away + search for a familiar rabbit hole?
But here’s the genius that underlies it all:
You are going to “work at” this life anyhow.
You will have to put elbow grease in either way.
You might as well spend that time removing the blocks to your unique truth
instead of stitching together an awkward patchwork quilt of society’s agenda for you.
So where do you get the chutzpah to fuel your courageous life?
Personally, I trust–a lot.
It would be unmistakably easier to exist in a realm of “why me?” chatter.
I could deny my right to ambition choosing instead the “safer” road of conventionality.
I could hide behind an androgynous mask of status quo + uniform acceptance.
But I’ve decided to……
trust my struggle.
When I look past the superficial chaos of it all…
It’s chock full of practical tools for self realization + accessing my innate power.
My struggle is a living, breathing education in humanity.
My own personal contract with the cosmos.
A blueprint for expansion + high performance results.
And so is yours.
What if you knew your neighbor was just as insecure as you to reveal his quirky, complex self? Would you support him to stay the course of his truth?
What if you accepted that ambition isn’t easy?
But leaned in any.way.
What if you actively choose to be vulnerable in the world + feel safe in that vulnerability?
Whose role model would you become?
Loosen your shackles; mine your liberation.
Your struggle is nothing less than an intense network of information ready to be distilled, understood + innovated upon.
When we see ourselves in the most specific, generous way possible; when we learn to trust our own struggle we then become available to see the legitimacy of others struggles. It is in this space of seeing one another that recognition is born and we are able to connect in a meaningful way; in an honest way.
Essentially, we validate one another.
And who couldn’t use more of that?
Dr. Dowling has spent years helping people live richer, more joyful lives. She has seen firsthand the magical pairing of psychology and life coaching, which allows people to access their happiest selves.
View Dr. Dowling's articles on Mindbodygreen
- Maybe I’d be Happier with Someone Else? - Apr 25, 2023
- Mastering An Attitude Of Gratitude & How to Maintain Feeling Grateful - Mar 28, 2023
- How Do I Find Joy in Life? - Feb 24, 2023
Dr. Danielle Dowling, I absolutely loved reading this post! In the past, I have really struggled with being my true self. A large part of that struggle was my inability to identify my true self. Over the past year, I have experienced tremendous self-growth and I am finally able to accept who I am and what I stand for. I know that I am in no way perfect, but each day I strive to be as authentic as possible and work towards becoming a better version of myself. Being more vulnerable with other individuals has really allowed me to engage in more meaningful relationships and build a stronger network. Do you have any additional tips for meeting your highest creative capacity?