Ponder those words for a moment. What does it mean to you? Is your life a dance between the old and the new, excitement and fear, caution and recklessness? Are you able to take a leap without taking a dive? How many of us play it safe as we listen to the nagging voice inside? The voice that tells us to stay small, or quiet- we might not be good enough, we might not succeed, we might make a mistake. Well, we've all been there. And it is the human trait to stay with what is safe and comfortable. How do you know when it is time to follow your heart? Part of learning about yourself and the inner workings of your heart is a very deep process. But, one that can be very rewarding and helps you to shed the layers of other voices that have accumulated over lifetimes.

What is it that pulls at your heartstrings? How can you get out of the box that has been so neatly wrapped up as your life? I recently took an art workshop- and I was extremely uncomfortable and stiff. The other people were creating with many different mediums and having fun. I was so uptight, and wanted to create something pretty, that I was frozen, and not wanting to put anything on paper. After it ended, I went home and cried. Was it the voice of the "stay inside the lines critic?" Or, was it not wanting to put myself out there?. It wasn't until weeks later, that I found a book, "The Tao of Watercolor" ...that helped me unleash the pent up artist within. This book helped me realize that there is no perfection in art, no one is standing over me judging me. So now, when I have time, I sit down and create. It flows, sometimes easier than other times. But, I now have fun with the process.

So, isn't it time you give your inner critic the day off? Or better yet, let it go. Acknowledge to yourself that it is okay to BE. By simply becoming aware of the thoughts and how many times we judge ourselves in the course of a lifetime- is staggering! Be your own best friend and cheerleader.

Let your heart lead the way, and follow the path with the emotions as your guide. Check in with your inner self often. The best way to stretch your comfort zone is to take small steps- try different types of classes, take a different route to work, taking singing lessons, start a home business, be like a kid again and be joyful.

Get to know yourself on a very deep level. Know your heart and learn about your emotions in and out. Free yourself from any guilt, or shame or feelings of low self-worth. It's time now to stand fully in your own power and not to be afraid to show your stuff! This is not about the limitations of the ego, but is about freedom of the heart and soul. You are ready! Put one foot in front of the other and let the wind and the river carry you in flow of divine energy. Be solid in your core and true to your heart! Be peace in action and know that it really is okay to color outside the lines- in fact, art is like life, it is more about the process than the end result. As your heart opens, ask yourself the two deep question...

Get up, get out and dance! Know that it is safe and beautiful just outside your comfort zone, there is much to be experienced and life to be LIVED.

IN Joy!
cathy

...caution is natural, but fear is not. Do not give in to fear, yet do not abandon caution.

It is a balancing act. Caution is what causes you to look both ways before crossing the street. Fear is what keeps you frozen on the curb forever. You know the difference. You can feel it.

If you're "stuck" right now, you're probably into fear. Get out of there. You've already looked both ways. Now cross the street, for heaven sake. The cars have long since gone. The coast is clear. Your only obstacle now is your own mind.