You know going back to school will help further your career. You keep putting it off and making excuses. 'I'll do it later.' 'I need to be home for my family.' 'I don't have time right now.' Excuses, excuses, excuses.

What's real reason you keep putting it off? Are you worried about how your co-workers might react if you get promoted over them? Are you worried about if you'll lose some of your friends if you change too much? Are you worried about added responsibility of a new position?

You keep worrying about all of 'what ifs' - things that haven't happened yet and end up staying stuck in same position at your job. All while, complaining about wanting to move up in your career and wanting a raise.

So how do you get out of this rut, out of this cycle? You want to change, but you're afraid to change, so you resist change, and you stay stuck.

You have to release your fears before you can move forward, before you can re-invent yourself. You have to remove blocks laying in your path so you can have a clear view of what lies ahead for you. Acknowledge your need to change and then honor your past, present and future by taking a step in a new direction. A step towards a new you.

6. Open door to love Make sure both front door of your home and door to your bedroom open easily and completely. Doors that stick, squeak, or that only open partway because of all stuff stored behind them are blocking flow of romantic energy and opportunity into your home. A loose doorknob on your bedroom door could mean you're having a hard time "getting a handle on" romance; get out your screwdriver and tighten it up.

7. Create a path for chi Walk slowly from your front door to your bedroom, pretending that you are a gentle river of chi. Look for any areas where furniture or other belongings are stopping or slowing flow of chi, or where chi is diverted away from bedroom to other areas of house. Clear a path so fresh chi can find its way to your bedroom and nourish your love life. Make sure all lights along this route are working, replace any burned-out bulbs, and be alert for dark or dingy corners where you can increase energy by adding more light.

8. Move your bed If one side of your bed is against wall, person who sleeps on that side may feel confined or disempowered in relationship. If possible, place bed so there is equal space on either side, so you and your partner can find equal enjoyment in relationship. The ideal position of bed will be on opposite side of room from door, but not directly in line with it. If you can't see bedroom door from bed, hang a mirror where it will provide a reflected view of entry.

9. Bring romance chi into bedroom Be sure to place romantic imagery in these two key places in bedroom: wall opposite foot of bed (where you naturally look when lying in bed), and whatever area of room you first see when you enter. Beautiful, romantic artwork is always good, as are fresh or silk flowers and anything in pairs (such as birds, cherubs, candles, or decorative pillows). A round mirror is also good for bedroom, as shape signifies completion and unity. Look around your home for whatever says "romance" to you, and find a good spot for it in your bedroom.

10. Clarify your intention Make a collage of images that symbolize your perfect relationship, and place it where you will see it every day. If you are already in a relationship, invite your partner to make a collage with you, to represent your intention to build a joyful and loving future together.

Copyright © 2002 Stephanie Roberts

This article is based on information in book Fast Feng Shui for Singles: 108 Ways to Heal Your Home and Attract Romance (Lotus Pond Press, Kahului, HI, ISBN 1-931383-04-9), also available at Amazon.com.