I recently shared my story of how I risked everything to start a new path in an article titled Risking Everything, and video. I've received several responses asking about the details of how this journey unfolded, as I'm sure on some level it may have come across as though it was such a breeze. So I thought I'd open up and share the entirety of my past, as a way to release it with love and stay genuine with my readers.
Starting my life over again was one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made, but it hasn't always felt like a smooth transition. I've definitely been challenged at times, and by no means am I completely there. I'm still learning every single day to love myself and to overcome self-doubt.
When I say I lost everything in order to start over again, I really mean it. Not only did I quit my 9-year career and cash out my savings, IRA and 401k (to start my new life), but I eventually foreclosed on two properties, and ultimately found myself in the midst of a bankruptcy. You heard me right – BANKRUPTCY! Talk about serious life experience for 20's.
I feel comfortable sharing this because I'm not ashamed to speak openly about my past, nor do I have any regrets! If anything, I'm deeply grateful to have walked away from everything I worked so hard for, and everything I thought I valued, because walking away humbled me on so many levels. I was given a clean slate, a blank canvas to paint a new life on – what a gift!
And while I've experienced many synchronicities guiding my path, I've had just as many setbacks, or blessings in disguise as I now refer to them! I can't begin to express how many times I felt like giving up, struggling to keep my heart open and reaching for the courage to take the next step forward.
So what does it take to continue to follow your heart and dreams regardless of what life throws at you? (By the way, it may not always appear this way, but life is always guiding us! Struggle is only an illusion.)
I know that many of us are scared to death to pursue our dreams, allowing circumstance and fear to hold us back. But once we wake up and realize we've settled for a life we do NOT want, it's time to face those fears! And yes, sometimes there are risks involved, even if we can't foresee how much we are risking. It's not always an easy path, but one that allows us to step into the integrity and essence of who we really are.
I needed to let go of my past, my unsupportive beliefs and my attachment to a false identity before I could embrace a new life. The job, the investment properties, the relationship I was in – it all had to go because these things were only an extension of my ego, holding me back.
And when I finally reached a point, where I was ready to risk everything for the chance at happiness, life tested my commitment and took me on an unexpected journey of self-growth. Hardly any of it made sense at the time, but that was life teaching me to trust! Sometimes we just have to surrender and roll with it, knowing everything is in divine order.
I remember I tried so hard to map everything out. I had a strategic plan all laid out. I was going to use my 401k to pay for my raw food culinary program, and once I got back I would sell my properties and have enough money to hold me over until I got back on my feet. Oh how I desperately needed to learn how to let go and follow my heart, not my head.
And although some days felt like an emotional roller-coaster, with a million unanswered questions in my heart, this path has taught me so much about letting go of expectations. I have learned, and continue to learn, to listen to my intuition, with a lot of flexibility and faith.
By no means am I suggesting that others take such a drastic turn in their life, but it was something I needed to do. And was it worth it? All I can say is that I'm so blessed to have chosen this path. I found love, I found my dharma, and for the first time in my life I can honestly say that I feel like I'm living a dream.
So I'd like to ask you, what have you risked to embrace your passion and follow your heart? And if you have yet to take your first step in the direction of your dreams, what's holding you back? Because as far as I can tell, we get one chance at life – make it worth living! Life is always here to guide and support us, all we have to do is let go and open our heart to the guidance. Trust your vision and NEVER look back! ♥
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