It's a paradox, really. For without this openness, you cannot attract people who are meant to help you spread or receive your work. Without this openness, you can't expand your power to be greater you. And without it, you certainly can't tap into full extent of your creative juices.

Part of this I attribute to working with my partner, Ryan Brown, who is 19, wildly optimistic, equally guided, and wonderfully willing to try anything creatively. And part I attribute to my very supportive husband, Larry, who doesn't even fully 'get' this work yet, but who stills sees how extremely happy it makes me ... and so is my emotional rock.

This musical, which I wrote about in Joy Letter 119 (http://www.howmuchjoy.com/joy_letter_119.htm ), has caused me to muster up my courage and become thousand per cent authentic version of me. And that, dear friends, is glorious bi-product of opening your heart. You grow, you reap, and you enjoy.

Here are a few things to ask yourself as you assess just how open your own heart is these days. Take out a journal, and contemplate these questions when you have some quiet time. This is your chance to see how much further you can go with your own dream.

1. Where are you holding back on your dream?

2. What are sources of your fear?

3. If you had a different life, what would be your primary work every day?

4. What would have to be different in your life at this time to make that happen?

5. Answer honestly: what could you change over next six months to make your dream work a greater priority.

6. Who's permission are you waiting for to get going?

7. What are your biggest fears about fully surrendering to your dream?

8. What would life be like once you fully surrendered to your dream? (Be specific.)

Use an image of someone you respect and know something about. This helps you easily imagine what they might say. It can be a fictional character, and this may be better in some cases. Talk to this person, and listen to what they have to say.

Maybe you've seen those WWJD pins. WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" Young christians wear these pins for guidance. Whether or not you're a christian, you can see how in a time of confusion, this simple question can clarify situation and allow a right decision.

Consider this for a moment. The information needed to make a right decision is there in a young man's head already, yet he is confused. Then he imagines what Jesus would do or say, and he immediately "sees" what he has to do. Inspiration from a voice in his head.

Why not start talking with imaginary friends and advisors? Ask for help with personal, business, and moral issues. Get creative ideas from them. This is a powerful way to draw on power of your unconscious mind, if you give it a chance.