Moving Beyond Your Limits
Have you ever felt fear of what will happen if you step out into new territory? You know, those moments in which thoughts like ‘What will happen? Will I succeed? Am I ready for what comes with success? What if I fail? What will people think of me? ‘ seem to takeover the mind?
Well, The past few weeks have been full of opportunities to move well beyond the limits I had defined for myself. Opportunities to further let go of the reigns of control, and allow myself to trust that I am indeed being guided by One who knows exactly the right next steps for me to take in order to continue progressing toward fulfilling my destiny.
While I was participating in an amazing retreat in the UK a couple weeks ago (more on that in a later post), I was reminded of a powerful truth about what happens as we say “Yes!” to the desires of our Soul, and step into what we came here to do. Those moments when we start the business we’ve been longing to start, or we develop a website to start promoting the creative work that has begun to express through us, or we start serving our community in a way that brings together all the skills we have picked up throughout this lifetime. You get the picture. We each have our unique way of shining the Light of God into the world – our own way of serving as a teacher. And, as A Course in Miracles says, “To Teach is to demonstrate.” To live in the Light. To be the Light.
As we begin to come into that role it does not mean that we are ‘done’ learning and growing. In fact, as a precious teacher of God that has come into my life, John Mark Stroud, said on the retreat (and I’m paraphrasing), “As we step into the role of teacher, the opportunities to learn and grow increase, not decrease. As we put ourselves out there on the stage of the world, new opportunities to uncover deeply-rooted patterns and move through the next ‘rings of fear’ so that you can more fully experience the magnitude of the true Self, and more consistently abide there.”
How can we experience the magnitude of our true Self if we don’t step outside of the box we have become comfortable in?
How can we experience the magnitude of our true Self (The Self that God created, verses the small self that stays within its limits, and is afraid to move out of that comfort zone) if we don’t step outside of the box we have become comfortable in?! I asked myself in that moment. It really landed in my heart. I immediately invited the Spirit to guide me through the next rings of fear as I begin to share my work more publicly (I cannot believe my spiritual memoir will be released in just two weeks!!). I declared my readiness to serve in a greater way, and my willingness to let go of the idea that I am ‘special’ in doing so. I had no idea how quickly the Spirit would move to open the door of opportunity to serve, and to call up those rings of fear.
On Wednesday of this week, I received a call from my PR firm. They mentioned they had secured a radio interview for me with world-renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, Michael Bernard Beckwith. Not only that, but the interview was going to be the following afternoon. What?! My initial reaction was excitement and gratitude. He has interviewed Marianne Williamson, Iyanla Vanzant, Doreen Virtue, Don Miguel Ruiz, and more, on this show. I was so grateful for the opportunity, and was blown away by how quickly doors we opening without a large marketing budget or plan in place. It was being Divinely ordered.
So, the excitement carried me through the moments leading up to, and through, the interview. It was my first interview without having all of the questions in advance, and I was feeling great about it. Then, the fear came. That doggone ego voice crept in and was having a field day in my mind. While I do now have the ability to separate that voice from my own (I know it is not Me), it still brought up some deep emotions and traces of my old pattern of being concerned about appearances. Why did you say it like that? You could have articulated this better. Why didn’t you mention this? You forgot to include this? You told too much about that. You need to get better at telling your story. Are you sure you’re ready for prime time?
This went on and on in my mind last night. I journaled and prayed about it before bed, and woke up with it still on my mind. Then, as I tuned into the breath for a while, and seeking Guidance, the following affirmation came to me:
As I stated this affirmation, and shared it via social media, the thoughts subsided, and I entered back into the flow of the Infinite Calm that is always available to us just beyond our fears. After this experience, I am even more encouraged to jump out well beyond my limits. I invite new learning and growth opportunities to come my way, knowing they are exactly what I need at exactly the right moment in order to serve as a clearer vessel for the Light of God to shine through. I trust I am surrounded by Infinite Support and Infinite Love. And so are you! There is no limit to what can be done through you. I pray this encourages you, or someone you know, to step out there as well! You got this!
“As you learn, teach. As you get, give.” ~Maya Angelou
P.S. I will post the link to the interview when it is available! 🙂
Keep shining!
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Kandace Jones
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BLOG: http://www.kandacejones.com
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TWITTER: @coachkandace
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About the Author: Kandace Jones
I used to live life shackled by fear, doubt, and worry. I put on a happy face while navigating my day-to-day duties, but I was emotionally drained, stressed, and unhappy. When I hit rock bottom, and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was determined to live life differently. I knew there had to be another way. Out of that determination, and guidance from Spirit, the "Living in the Light" blog was born. It documents my spiritual journey out of the darkness and into the Light. After nine months of publicly sharing my journey, and consciously releasing my attachment to the ego, I experienced a powerful spiritual awakening. I went from living in fear, doubt, worry, and stress to complete inner peace. My greatest passion has become assisting others on their own journey to inner peace.
My spiritual memoir, From Stress to Peace: An Intimate Journal on the Journey from Living in Darkness to Living in the Light, is available now on Amazon and BN.com. Click the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the From Stress to Peace 21-Day Challenge, Living in the Light Retreats, 1:1 sessions, and the Living in the Light Community - all of which are designed to support your journey to inner peace. I appreciate you taking the time to visit the blog and look forward to supporting you in any way I can!