My heart was racing. My anxiety was nearing red zone. “Why should this be so difficult? They’re only people just like me”. I tried to comfort myself.

Again, I looked around room…

As humans we all have same basic needs for love, approval, recognition and contact. We all want to be liked. While at same time we covet our privacy and have a need for our own “separate” space. Deep down we really want to connect. Is it any wonder we sometimes feel alone in a world full of people?

Where is your edge of comfort? Are you willing to reach out and make new connections that could support and add value to your life? What inner dialogue prevents you from taking risks that could lead to new relationships or expanded networks?

Here are some perspectives that could assist you in shifting from fear to willingness:

1. Be yourself. Connect with who you truly are.

2. Stay curious and interested in people. Stay open to new situations.

3. Enter playfully and stay unattached to outcome. Move from a place of possibility and be delighted at what shows up.

4. Remember, most people have same insecurities. We’re all on same side of fence. Most people welcome connection and would be grateful you made effort.

5. Remember, worst that can happen is someone says no.

I finally settled on a person to ask. It was a woman in her mid fifties and dressed in a grocery store uniform. “May I join you?” I asked. She looked up and smiled, then welcomed me to have a seat. We spent next delightful thirty minutes together talking about our lives, her job, and my children. It was warm and enjoyable. When we were finished with lunch she got up, thanked me and we both went on our way.

As I walked away to rejoin my group my heart was full and I was laughing. I learned a valuable lesson about myself that day and felt a deeper connection to rest of humanity.

It’s YOUR life…imagine possibilities!

**************************************** Helaine Iris is a Certified Life Coach She works with individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders who want more out of life. People, who want to lead successful, balanced lives filled with love, passion and purpose. Are you ready to take a step that could change your life? For a complimentary session visit her website http://www.pathofpurpose.com or call her 603-357-8546 or email her helaine@pathofpurpose.com

For example, maybe you always wanted to scuba-dive. Okay, why not now? You're in reasonably good health and you can always work on improving your health.

Decide now that you're going to make this dream a priority. Don't dwell on obstacles or what people might say. You're going to make it happen.

Begin with three small steps.

On another sheet of paper list three steps you could take right now, today, to begin moving you toward your dream. Forget difficult. Forget huge. Think easy and think small. The important thing is to begin.

For example, if learning to scuba-dive is your passion dream, your first three steps might be:

1. Conduct a scuba-diving search on Internet and begin a Favorites File. 2. Check out a book on scuba-diving from library. 3. Start a scuba-diving savings account. (Maybe you can only afford to contribute a dollar. Doesn't matter. Start it.)

What seemed impossible often becomes possible.

When you take your first step toward your dream...your dream will take a step toward you. Don't ask me why or how this happens. It just does. Call it a law of nature if you want. But it works..

You will meet people, encounter circumstances, receive unexpected monies...all pushing you toward your dream. Your only job is to keep stepping forward with faith and persistence.

And here's bottom line.

It doesn't really matter whether your dream comes true or not. Oh it will. Don't ever doubt it. But that's only a fringe benefit.

What matters is that you're staying in race of life. You're hell-bent for a finish line. And when you're in race, you're growing. And that's important. Because if you're growing, you aren't dying. It's a fact of nature.

Keep adding new dreams to your list.

Don't ever throw your dream list away. You may have to modify it from time to time but keep it active. Once your first dream is launched, start another. You might have two or three going. Perhaps more. Just leave breathing room to take at least a few action steps toward your dreams every day. You want to maintain a forward momentum. Not create stress in your life.

Once you realize a dream, move on.

Always have a few dreams working and a few more in wings ready to come on stage. The action steps required to move you toward their fulfillment will add zest to your days, years to your life and JOY to your spirit.

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Get more facts, techniques and information about living healthier, happier and being more productive. Subscribe Free to Doug C. Grant's bi-monthly e-zine, THE EMPOWERED MATURITY PAGE. It's directed toward over 50 Crowd but good reading for anyone wanting to boost their life up a notch or two. Subscribe at: mailto:empoweredpage@smartautoresponder.com