A few years ago, we bought our first house and I began a flower garden.  Quickly I realized the valued of perennials – flowers/plants that come back year after year.  Perennials are like newborns each year – full of hope and promise for the coming warm weather.

 The Hostas and Ferns appear as small babies right now, just budding.  I check on them twice a day to see how much they have grown and revival in there sprouts and unfolding leaves as I feel myself also awakening from winter’s long slumber.  And the bulbs – I planted English Bluebells last fall and can’t wait to see how they do…

 Why do I love these plants so? – because they remind of possibilities and unseen forces.  Much of what happens in life is about timing, waiting and trust. 

 The Hostas and Ferns sprout when the earth is warming up from snowy days gone by.  They may even have to survive another storm or two before they can be assured of warmer days.  And that is the other part of their magic – the perennials weather the storms.  Their tender shoots somehow manage and thrive under a sudden blanket of seven inches of snow - only to melt away on the morrow.  These seemingly vulnerable newborns are not.

 They are in fact hardy and resourceful – if leaves die, they grow more.  They are not deterred when bad weather comes their way, just steady.  They will be here after the storm, spouting new growth and trusting in warmer days…

Trust.  The word “trust” sits on my desk in a small, silver frame.  I see it over and over all day long, reminding me, “trust.”  Sometimes I still struggle with trust – hence the reminder on my desk. 

 Sometimes just looking at the word calms me, but sometimes it frustrates me and I begin spinning.  Spinning because I feel like something is “not enough.”  Not enough money, not enough love, not enough truth, whatever – it remains “not enough.”  Being an action-oriented person, I act.  I can’t stay still as this “not enough” feeling is like drowning to me.  It’s been a very long time, but I’ve notice recently, I’ve begun spinning again.

 I’ve come up close to this “drowning” feeling again and this time, I’ve stayed with it.  I discovered this drowning feeling is really sadness.  Sadness that makes me feel.  Yes, feel.  When I am spinning and “acting out” - I fool myself with the illusion of being in control.  I don’t have feel when I am moving, however, when I eventually stop as we all must, I feel even worse. 

 The avoiding of the sadness magnifies the emotions more painfully.  The disappointments are more crushing.  The resentments are bigger and the unresolved issues grow…But this time – I have felt the sadness.  Maybe not at first, but sooner, and instead of running the other way, I’ve stayed with the sadness to discover more about myself and how not to be in this same place again. 

 Life is full of opportunities and not all of them come with a “smiley face.”  Sometimes it is in the disappointments the greatest clarity is found.  You see who you are and what you believe.  And if you can stop “spinning” - you discover “trust.” 

 Trust in something bigger then you.  Trust that unseen forces support you, even if it may not appear so at first glance.  Trust that your highest self is stretching to reveal itself again and again.  Trust, I bid you, Trust. 

Being successful is no far off place.  It is probably closer then you think, but, at this vantage point in your life it may feel a million miles away.  Ask yourself, do you have the mindset to see the opportunities to your best life?  Being successful is not about always making the “right” move every time, but about maximizing all your moves.

Once you’ve lived past thirty, you can finally get a little perspective on your life.  If you really look at your life, there is a pattern.  Even the mistakes, the “wrong” choices, taught you lessons.  You may not have enjoyed the process, but you can see the benefits in the chaos – the so called “silver lining.”

Sometimes delay is a good thing.  During delays you often acquire more knowledge and experience, laying a foundation for your future success.  However, it is during these delays that I believe people can veer off the path by becoming frustrated in the process.

Whether it’s losing faith in your product, yourself or the old “not enough time”, here are some suggestions that have helped my clients to remain on the path to success and may they support you…

1. Believe in yourself and your product.   This is where it all begins – you.  How is your self-esteem or self-confidence?  If you don’t think well of yourself, no one else will, plain and simple.  Which of course, will transfer to your product and you will miss opportunities.  So how you feel about yourself matters and directly impacts your success.  If this is an issue for you, try saying to yourself five different times a day, “I believe in myself.  Success enters my life easily and effortlessly from all around me.”  It may feel awkward at first, but soon you will notice a calming effect.
2. You deserve success.  How did that feel when you read this?  Any twinges?  If so, this is also an area to examine.  Not only do you need to believe in yourself, but you have to feel worthy of success too – back to you again.  You may try adding, “I deserve and accept a beautiful life,” to your daily mantra above to help support a new, deserving belief in your life.
3.  Have a plan.  It’s all well and good to believe that you deserve success, but what does that mean?  What would success look like to you and what are the steps to get there?  This is a big hurdle for many because it requires putting your words into action.  Just as your thoughts and intensions call new opportunities to you, you must be willing to act upon their arrival.  For example, maybe you want a new job making more money.  There are steps between today and a new job.  Do you know what these are?  Do you need more education?  Have you looked in the paper or online?  Think about what success is to you and then write it out.  Include the steps to achieve the success you desire.  Then each day, do one thing to move you in that direction – read an article, make a phone call, research, whatever, at least one a day.  You will notice your life shifting, easily and effortlessly almost, into a new, more successful direction.
4.  Be flexible.  This may seem a little confusing at first, but it kind of goes to the old saying, “Once you make plans, life happens.”  This is very true fortunately, so stay open.  Let me explain.  Once you shift your belief system to a successful mindset – you attract success.  Things that were blocked before come flying into your life.  This, in turn, disrupts your “plans” –  well, maybe not.  Sometimes, you discover your plans were too small and life has something better in store for you…So stay flexible, be ready to expand into the fullness of life as it unfolds.
5. Use your fears to balance yourself.  Whenever you get really close to success, fear walks in the door, almost its final hurrah.  Fear hides as doubts, anxiety, sleeplessness, certain people, the list goes on and on…but I now see fear as an opportunity.  Fear to me is an indicator of imbalance which means I need support.  Sometimes I can give this to myself through meditation and prayer, but sometimes it means I need to reach out to my husband, friend or a mentor for encouragement and reassurance.  Find  a support system for yourself as you transition to this new life.

Finally, remember patience and courage — the patience to allow yourself the opportunity to transform your life to its fullest potential and the courage to walk and stumble through that transformation.

Years ago a friend whispered, “Courage,” in my ear during a pivotal time in my life.  I can still remember the strength hearing that word vibrated through my body.  Courage, not condescending, “It’ll be ok.  Don’t worry,” but strong and faithful courage.  It actually helped me to be a little more patient too.  So I offer you courage, as you discover your path to a successful, abundant life.