Self Creation of Limitations

Sitting on my desk is a quote that I heard on a talk show a few weeks back:  "Many people are bound and held in the self creation of their own limitation."  I have been reflecting on this and comparing what I choose to do with what I am capable of doing. 

On Tuesday I taught my first webinar for ARPA and ACE Communities.  This was a challenge to present my dance material with no visual background and only dialogue and printed instructions.  I had never prepared a power point before, and I had never worked on so many computer details at one time.  Monday morning my barometer of a back was giving me the stress signals.  This is usually indicated by lower back pain and then everything seizes up.  Tuesday morning was a headache.  Why was I doing this to myself?  Perhaps I should just stick to what I do best - leading dance classes with people who can see me and follow!

Giving in to my fear would not suit my character.  In fact, not rising to a challenge has not even been in my vocabulary for many years.  Perhaps it was time to consider "pulling back the reins" and choosing an easier course.  But, what about the excitement of thinking in a different way?  How about making my material easy to understand and reproducable by non dancers?  If I did not rise to this challenge, others would not be able to benefit from all the studying I have been doing and all the experience I have gained over my career.  No, technology and fear would not be a consideration.

So, I prepared a piece that had audience participation, (I did not want anyone to sit through a movement presentation); I had questionnaires to be thought provoking, (I wanted to engage the people who need to respond and be involved in the process of learning); and I had a joke and photos to entice the visual learners, (I wanted people to be interested in the material on the screen).  It was a little weird to not see everyone's eyes, as I love to make eye contact with all of my students.  It was also difficult to know if everyone was following, as participants were not sure if they should vocalize a response or not.  But, I carried through answering written questions and responding to some of the dialogue.

When I finished I was so relieved!  But, I was also elated.  I had completed this incredible learning challenge, and I felt like I was able to get my ideas across and have them well received.  Being a presenter of a webinar would open new ideas and opportunities for me and the material that I present.  And, for those people living in a rural area where they could not access workshops or opportunities for my material, this was a new way to become connected to the world.  Thank goodness I rose to the challenge.

I was also excited for the different attendees.  I had people from across Canada as well as New York and their areas of interest were very different.  This showed me the incredible potential that the webinar had for all kinds of people, and not just the participants attending a conference on a specific topic.  Also, I could reach people across the world with this technology.  Who would believe?!

So, now after a few days to reflect and think about the presentation, I am excited to bring more ideas and opportunities to people.  I would love to add a camera to visually be able to share techniques and patterns of movement.  The jitters are gone and the excitement of creation is taking over - of course, that is my favorite part of presenting!

As I stare at the quote on my desk again:  "Many people are bound and held in the self creation of their own limitation," I wonder if I can move the other stickee over top:  "I am filled with unlimited potential and I know exactly what I need to do to express this potential in amazing ways," (Cheryl Richardson).  Yes, this quote definitely resonates at a higher frequency, and it opens my mind to potential - Amazing, Creative, Energetic potential.   What's moving you forward?!

Walk the Talk

What is the most repeated phrase you say to yourself each day.  Do you look in the mirror and berate yourself for your weight?  Do you assess the blemishes on your face?  Do you wish the color of your hair was different?  Do you curse the aches and pains in your joints as you get out of bed?  Do you remind yourself that the inability to sleep, eat, walk, move etc is just a sign of you aging?  Wow!  Had you thought about your personal dialogue before?  And, how long have you been speaking to yourself this way?  Days, Weeks, Months, Years?  How much time have you spent so far over your lifetime engaging in this dialogue?

What happens if you begin your day with "Good Morning Sunshine!"  "Hello Doll!"  "I love being you!"  What a way to begin your day!!!  And what if you continued this dialogue with congratulations for making a great breakfast, or taking time for a walk, or meditating for 10 minutes before starting your day, or loving yourself in the afternoon when your energy may drop a bit.  What if you stood in the mirror in the evening and thanked your body for giving you such incredible opportunities through the day, or gave yourself accolades for a job well done at work, class, with family, children, etc.  And, as you brush your teeth before bed, what would happen if you thanked yourself for being such an inspirational being, an abundance of energy, a source of support for family, or a wonderful friend?  Wouldn't it feel fantastic!  Those positive neutrons would be embraced by your body.  They would latch on and glow with the accolades.  Your energy would be fulfilled and the smile on your face would be genuine.

So, what are you waiting for?  How long will you play the same old record for?  When will you be worthy of recognition, self love, and personal abundance?  Start today.  Smile at yourself in the mirror and say "Hello Beautiful!  Thank you for this incredible life today!!!"