What's interesting is that I just recently learned this lesson, after taking my leap of faith. When I first decided to move and basically turn my life right side up I didn't have much support from my loved ones. Not to say they were completely against the idea but they were fearful for me. I made the decision to move somewhere I had never lived before and in a place with no family, or security (I didn't have a job lined up). I continued on with my decision against all odds. Then once I actually made the move I had more support and love than I could ever have imagined. The net appeared for me in so many unexpected ways.
Everyone tells me I'm so brave. I did something that they could never do. It's funny because I don't feel brave at all. I was so hungry for change and did the most drastic thing I could think of at the time. I made the decision to better myself and my life; I thought of it as the right thing to do. Our lives are ruled by the choices we make and we make them with the intention of being right. I made the decision to move because I felt it was the right thing to do for me, not because it was the "brave" thing to do. And don't think I just got up one morning and moved the next, I had a plan. My plan took 3 months to blossom.
First step: I made the decision and set the intention. I said "I am moving to San Diego" rather than "I hope (or wish) to move".
Second step: I believed it was possible. Right when I said it, I felt my heart leap for joy. The decision was not made from a place of desperation or fear.
Third step: I surrendered the "how". I prayed on my desire and then let the magic happen. I remained open to possibilities. Once you believe something is possible, keep your mind and heart open to whatever presents itself next.
Fourth step: I kept myself open to receive. I learned that we get the things we want (and need) in unexpected forms. We receive the very best. The path to the desire is not linear and it's also not clear to us, so I kept "my eyes peeled" to the things that presented themselves to me. For example, right after setting the intention to move I was presented with the opportunity to work for a temp job. I took it because I knew it would help fund my desire. The opportunities which present themselves right away are important.
Fifth step: My daily routine involved planning to receive my desire. My desire was to move to San Diego so I planned my move. I did my research on housing, transportation, activities; I planned how my life would be once I moved. I also made my desire present. I wrote "San Diego" on the top of each month on my calendar so that every day marked off was one day closer to receiving it.
Sixth step: Make the desire greater than your fear. This is a tough one because fear is a part of us. The fear inside will always be present but what helped me quiet it was to visualize my "new life" in San Diego. Also I really avoided negative people and anyone who did not support my dream. I did not like to talk about all the things that could go wrong because I can't control every single thing that happens (or doesn't happen) to me, so why focus on that? I'd rather focus on what I can control. Plus to be honest, everything was flowing nicely once I made my choice so much so that I figured the Universe was on my side to make it happen. I felt right about it and so the right things were popping up in my life.
When people are throwing shade your way, walk in the sun. Tweet this!
Seventh step: What's the worst that can happen? I don't know if this will work for everyone, but I am a pretty cautious person and can be very paranoid at times. Because my desire to move was greater than my fear, I did not let fear stop me, but trust me it was present. One of the ways I was able to face my fear was by identifying what the worst case scenarios were. In essence, it helped me to identify some of my worst fears tied to this decision. I didn't create back-up plans to prepare for the worst case scenarios because I wanted to attach positive vibes to my choice. I chose not to focus on the fear, rather just observe it. I discuss a little bit about how I face my fears in a previous post. I'll share with you my greatest fear attached to moving was that it wouldn't work out and I would have to go back home to live with my parents. Doesn't sound so bad, right? It's still an echo in my mind I can't get rid of, but I no longer fight it. It is what it is. I'm alive, healthy, have tons of people who love and support me, and that's what's truly important. Which brings me to...
Eighth step: Gratitude! I thank God for placing "The Secret" in my life back in 2010. This was one of the books that changed my life and the way I live it. I am grateful every day. I like to state out loud what I am thankful for every day. I like to do this as part of my morning ritual, while getting ready for work, to start my day off right. I think keeping tabs of what you're grateful for opens so many doors. I think gratitude paves the way for blessings.
I can't tell you what happens after you take your leap of faith because there is no "cookie-cutter" result; everyone's journey is different. What I can say is that I have no regrets. I would rather do something and determine whether it was the right choice or not for me, from my action, than live regretting my inaction. I faced a lot of obstacles in the beginning. I kept myself motivated by learning, meditating, writing, blogging, and taking comfort in the support of my loved ones. I kept my desire to thrive in San Diego present. I've shared with you in other posts some of the resources I used to guide me on my path.
I really hope this post can help you take more leaps! I would love it if you can comment below what leap (or leaps) you would love to take? Or if you've already taken a leap of faith, how did you do it?
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Let me start by saying you are amazing! I remember the day you sent me the message that you were moving to SD. I was very happy for you and a bit in awe. I was one of those people that said wow - that is so brave - I could never do that. For roughly the past 5 years I wanted and needed a break from San Diego county, but didnt how or if I would be able to leave, much less if I could make it on my own. Little did I know, while on a drastically smaller scale - soon I would be taking a leap of my own.
ReplyDeleteMy path has also had many steps. Some good and others were rocky points that made me question if leaving was possible. My first attempt to leave was a temporary solution. I was completing a Certificate program and decided to take my last class in the county I wanted to move to. Between my two classes I spent 4 days a week on the freeway. As the first class finished I decided it was time to stay in the area I wanted to be and look for a job. The second class ended, a month went by and despite having sent out many resumes and applying for countless jobs, it was tough. Slowly I got calls for interviews. One here, one there. I went to all I could because if nothing else they were great practice for when the right job came along.
While the first offer of employment was not particularly what I was looking for, I hesitantly accepted. As I waited for the company to get its act together I continued searching hoping for a more relevant opportunity. I received a few more calls and continued going to interviews. A couple weeks went by before I heard from the company where I had accepted the job. By then I had heard from two other companies about jobs I much preferred. At the last possible moment I heard from another company and made the difficult decision to withdraw from the first offer.
There was something about the latest company from the moment I walked into the office. I felt it was where I was meant to be. I had found the place I was going to be happy and that would give me the opportunity I had been searching for. It was like a dream come true.
The next two months there were highs and lows. Some weeks I worked full time - others I barely worked 12 hours. In September, things took a major downward turn. There was no work and no way to tell how long it would last, much less give a return to work date. I had to wait it out. After three weeks of no work and bills continuing to come in, I had no choice but to look for employment elsewhere. No longer working made it impossible to remain in the area and I had to go back to SD county with the family and man was I down. I felt like I had taken a risk and completely failed!! Fortunately, I was able to land a job pretty quickly. Despite being in the industry I wanted, neither the people nor the company were the right fit. Having no other options, I took the job anyway and did what I could. A week before Halloween I got a call from the "dream" job. I told them I had begun working for another company but knew it was not the job for me and would much rather be working for them. I was willing to give it another try. October 31st, I got the call - there was plenty of work. Since November 1st, not only have I worked full-time and a bit of ot, I received a raise, was paid for holidays and in a month will receive my medical benefits. I also found a condo to rent. I am beyond thrilled with all I've been blessed with. I was lucky to have supportive friends and perhaps a pushy one as well, who never doubted me, never let me give up and never stopped encouraging me. For their words and advice I am extremely grateful.
While my move was just one small county away (& not across the US) it has been an interesting journey and a welcome change. Hoping to make the best of the opportunities the move has given me.
Wishing you all the best and continued success on your "Leap of Faith"!!!
Love Ya Sis.
~Michele
Wow!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing! A leap is a leap, no matter how "big" or "small"! You followed your heart and your dreams, and stuck to the fight! I am so happy for you and how things turned out!
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