Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Aug/Sept 2017 Aspire Mag Full Issue | Page 47
What does showing up in
your life mean? For me, it
means expressing your true
inner self. It means actively
bringing joy to your life. It
means taking care of your
needs. It also means being
awake and noticing aligned
opportunities as they arise,
both big and small.
For example, an ombré
pink drink appeared on my
screen one afternoon as
I launched a well-known
coffee shop’s app on my
phone. Instead of ignoring
it, I immediately thought, “I
must have this.” And I’ve
gone back multiple times
for more.
Generally I’m following one
train of thought, such as
“What’s the next task on
my to-do list?” Then I shift
gears and open up to a new
opportunity that presents
itself... if it’s enticing and
intriguing. And even if it’s in
Your life is
happening
now. Follow
the joy and
show up for
the moments
you have.
the form of a drink that looks
like Pepto Bismol on ice.
Following those moments
of joy and letting them lead
you requires being awake
and present to what lights
you up. Those moments are
like breadcrumbs that guide
you to your heart’s desires.
For me, psychology and
sociology
served
as
breadcrumbs. I’ve always
had a passion for studying
human and group behavior.
After my job ended without
warning, my passion led to a
culture change position at a
company in downtown San
Francisco. Ultimately, that
led to my current career as
a transformational coach.
And after the unexpected
end of my relationship, my
love of being outdoors led
to meeting the man I’m now
married to.
Instead of dragging myself
down with thoughts of
despair and what I “should”
do to find a man or a job, I let
my curiosity and interests
guide me. While I did
take the necessary steps
to search for a job, and I
examined how I could be
a better partner, I still gave
myself permission to fulfill
my needs, no matter how
insignificant or impractical
they might have seemed.
My passions and interests
may not save the world
or cure cancer or get rid
of all the dust bunnies in
my house. Fearful, self-
defeating thoughts of what
I “should” pay attention to
serve as reminders of all
the big things that really
need to be done each day.
But dwelling on them is a
surefire way to sleepwalk
through life.
Your life is happening now.
Follow the joy and show up
for the moments you have.
How do you show up? It’s
certainly easier to show up
for “normal” moments, such
as going to an office every
47
the setback variety. In one
case, my relationship of
two years ended abruptly.
In another case, I was
suddenly dismissed from
my job. In both cases, I
felt like I was punished
for a crime I didn’t know
I committed. I eventually
realized these setbacks
were invitations to show up
in my life.