“Courage, contrary to popular belief, is not absence of fear. Courage is wisdom to act in spite of fear.” —John-Roger and Peter McWilliams

As part of my personal journey and commitment to live a fulfilled life I embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage to deepen my self-understanding and to seek answers to questions I was having about my life. I traveled to Sedona Arizona to connect with desert and amazing red rock formations.

After visiting a number of powerful sites I felt drawn to a beautiful mountain. Standing in front of this breathtaking prominence, I wanted to get to top. Now, let me share that I am no mountain climber. I was raised in suburbia. I love nature and hiking and usually stick to trails. I was afraid and yet, I knew that I had to face my fear and climb to top of this formidable rock. It was a rainy February day late in afternoon when I started my ascent.

When I got to about three quarters of way up craggy side of face I hit my own internal wall. It was a wall of fear; actually, terror. My first impulse was to turn around and retreat back down where I felt safe but something inside me urged me on.

There, alone on side of this mountain I felt vulnerable to elements and became acutely aware of potential physical danger I could have been in. I knew I had a choice and yet I also knew if I didn’t seize this opportunity I would be disappointed in myself.

I carefully chose my next steps inching my way higher. Through my tears I began to watch my mind as it ran through an endless litany of self-doubt, limitation and my fear of death. I was hard on myself and didn’t want to leave my “comfort zone”. I knew I must.

As I stood there precariously I became aware of how this climb was a metaphor for my life. I noticed where I resist pushing myself to move past my fears and step into unknown territory. Although I felt successful and accomplished, I thought about how I hold back and don’t completely go for what I want in my life.

Many of you have probably heard wise admonition: "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys pig."

The pig just doesn't have that aptitude.

A human example: Don't try to teach some people to have short-term goals. You are wasting your time and really annoying them, or worse yet, making them feel inadequate about their own style of goal-reaching. More about that later.

One size does not fit all. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to take Johnson O'Connor aptitude test. The testing was in one of several non-profit Human Engineering Laboratories around United States. I learned of aptitudes I did and did NOT have. Aptitudes of which I had never known before.

Over years, I have watched many people go to Laboratory for testing. I was delighted as I saw what happened when people learn new things about themselves.

NOW I SEE: THIS IS ME

The people returned from testing very happy to know more about their strengths and challenges. They learned why one career might be easier and more fulfilling than another. They were able to make better choices and see why it had hurt when they were trying to force themselves into professions that did not fit.

It is painful to be a square peg in a round hole.

Discovering our aptitudes through any method supports our mental health. Knowing our aptitudes is our right and our responsibility. If a person has a strong aptitude, they will often feel a restlessness or anxiety when not using it. We are given our gifts to use!

MAKE MUSIC YOUR OWN WAY