What I learned was; finding courage to look at and face your fear can be a very empowering act.

What are your fears and how are they preventing you from reaching your dreams? By listing or naming your fears you can bring them into light thereby reducing their powerful charge. Here are some tips and perspectives for looking at fear and turn it into an opportunity for growth and action:

1. Is your fear to move forward based on what has happened in past or what could happen in future? A wise teacher of mine Byron Katie says, “ The worst that can happen to us (now) is a thought”. Most of what we fear never actually happens. If you really think about it It’s our thoughts about what we experience that causes us most pain.

2. Negative events can truly become catalyst for positive change and learning. Try reframing your negative experience into a powerful learning opportunity. See if you can find “gift” or silver lining in a situation that has been difficult.

3. Watch your inner dialogue. What are you telling yourself? Try keeping a journal for a day on all fearful or negative thoughts you have. At end of day, look at each thought and ask yourself if these thoughts are even true. Then remind yourself of what IS true.

4. Check out book “Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers. The idea is to turn fear and indecision into confidence and action. You can’t eliminate fear but you can turn it into an ally. Learn territory of fear. Make friends with it. Teach yourself to breathe deeply and move from victim hood to being champion of your life.

Getting back to my story, I continued to wind my way up to top of mountain. I made it. Through my tears and fear I found a strength deep inside me that taught me a very powerful lesson. As I took my final steps up to summit sun broke through clouds and a hawk flew overhead. I looked out over gorgeous red rock landscape and for first time in my life I fully enjoyed view.

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

A person with a very low aptitude for observation (again, Johnson O'Connor term) is not bothered by lots of clutter. They don't notice it.

We each have our own gifts.

By understanding that we are all gifted in different areas, we can stop judging people who do things in a different way. In an orchestra, trumpet player does not judge piano player for not playing trumpet. To do so would be silly.

Make sure you are not forcing any square pegs into round holes. To do so is teaching a pig to sing. Annoying or even hurtful. And don't let people annoy or hurt you. Let's each and every one of us find our gifts and present them to world.

Isn't it grand that one size does not fit all?

AND TODAY . . .

Today value your own gifts. Do you have an aptitude that is crying to be used and that you are keeping dormant? Clues are always being given to you about your gifts. If you are quiet and listen, gift's call will whisper (maybe shout) to you somewhere in your mind or heart.

Heed call and see what goodness that gift will bring to you and others. It will be an extraordinary release.

Today celebrate gifts of which you are already wholly aware, too. Make sure they get your full attention and gratitude.

And please celebrate gifts of others. Don't judge if they have chosen a different instrument -- or if they can't sing. Each one of us has our own aptitudes. Rejoice for all who have claimed theirs.

©Copyright 2002 Stephanie West Allen