Joyce Shafer

Be True to You at Your Crossroads Point



Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009

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Have you ever stood or are you standing at a crossroads now, not positively certain which path to take? What technique do you use to choose?

You may turn to family or friends for their thoughts and ideas. This is one tactic if you're looking to brainstorm for ideas, methods, and techniques to consider. Some who are well-meaning may say, "Let me tell you what you ought to do," or they use the dreaded word "should." When this happens, nod politely, but stay true to yourself.

Crossroads are opportunities to aim at the target(s) that help you create your desired reality, even if it's just to do something different and you aren't quite sure what yet. That happens. Such times may cause anxiety; but that's usually because somewhere at the back of your mind or deep in your heart, you wonder, "Can I or should I really go for it?"

If you have a dream and you share it with others, you risk hearing opinions that fall anywhere on the gradient between highly useful and not at all useful, depending on who you speak with. Nor can you let anything anyone says from their own perspective (and fears) cause you to question your worth or the worth of your dream or goal. Not everyone will feel excited about or share your enthusiasm, because it's your dream, after all, not theirs. Sometimes you have to amp up the power of your dream by staying silent about it until the right moment. And, you want to put your energy into taking action, not talking about taking action.

One fear you may have is of (pardon the repetitions) coloring outside the lines or thinking and acting outside the box. But what if your unique way of doing something, or the way you'd like to but hesitate about, is exactly what some are waiting for?

Here are some questions to ask when you're at a crossroads (answer them in order, and don't limit your answers with logic-be honest with yourself):

You cannot live your life trying to mold yourself to opinions or expectations of others. They may be happy if you do, but you'll be miserable. A dialogue line in a movie called "The Movie Hero" is, "...you can either die trying or die wishing you had." Of course, you can succeed while you live. It's also a success to go for your dream, whatever the outcome. Better to say, "I gave it all I had (and enjoyed every second)," than, "I never gave myself the chance."

It's best to ignore anyone who believes you can't get there from here. There's always a way whether it's a metaphorical jet, boat, car, or your feet. If you have a dream, don't just wish it, intend it. Commit, be flexible, and stay true to yourself.

Joyce Shafer, LEC and author of, "I Don't Want to be Your Guru, but I Have Something to Say" (jls1422@yahoo.com). Life coaches and writers of self-development topics, who are new to writing or self-publishing, receive guidance and assistance: 6 weeks, 7 steps. Visit http://lifecoacheswriteebooks.webs.com for more information. See reviews of my books/e-books at Lulu.com. Email me to receive my free weekly newsletter, State of Appreciation.

Joyce Shafer, Life Coach, Author, and provider of Fulfillment Is an Inside Job!—an 8-week life-changing online coaching course that lets the real you come out and play, and publisher of State of Appreciation, a free weekly online newsletter that blends practical & spiritual approaches to enhance personal power and self-realization through articles, and free downloads, when you subscribe at http://stateofappreciation.webs.com

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