Now Is The Time to Step Forward

As you know, there is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. And for some, this will be reason enough to batten down the hatches and hold on tight. One of the effects of fear and anxiety is that they cause us to contract and tense up, minimizing the amount of energy we have available to reach out and contribute. We lose clarity of thought. And our capacity to act can actually shrink.

The world is certainly full of challenges today. I'm sure you are feeling the effects within yourself, in your family, at work, and in your community. But to stay primarily focused there - on all the problems - can make you feel powerless and resigned. But as a friendly reminder...

You can choose what you focus your attention and energy on.

You can choose.

What difference would it make to you and others if you were to focus your attention and energy on making a contribution today? What would be possible if you saw yourself as BEING a contribution?

You know, there's a common underlying question that we find ourselves asking often: "What's in it for me?" That's about getting something from the moment and the people you are with. But I think there is an even more powerful question: "What's in it for them?... now that I have shown up?" That's about giving to the moment and the people you are with. Yes, you can be a powerful contribution to the people that you encounter everyday... your children, spouse, co-workers, gas station attendant, stranger on the street, your boss...

How will you be a contribution today?

This is certainly not the time for us to hold back our contributions and our gifts. This is not the time to become paralyzed with fear, doubt, and uncertainty. It's a time to step forward and share the gift that you are to others. Action that is based in serving and contributing is a great way to absorb anxiety and fear. And even more importantly, it's a great way to liberate your gifts and infuse your life with energy and meaning. That is wellness in action!

Live the gift that you are.

- Denver

Are You Suppressing Your Potential?

I will be turning 41 years old in December of this year. And I will freely admit that stepping into my forties has brought a variety of new questions and awareness into my life.

One of the things I have been exploring lately involves the question: What happens to an individual when they are knowingly or unknowingly suppressing their potential? Of course, the first place I look with such an inquiry is into my own life. In what ways am I suppressing my own potential? What are the emotional and mental consequences of suppressing potential? How is suppressing my own potential impacting my marriage and relationships?... my business?

What I am discovering is quite liberating and at times quite uncomfortable. I am feeling fully the frustration and distress that shows up when I find myself suppressing my potential. I am noticing the impact it's having on my relationship with myself, my wife, my children, and others in general. And I notice how easy it can be to dismiss what is really going on inside of me by looking - for example - at the economy and saying things like, "Well, how else would you expect a person to feel with the economy in the shape that it's in?"

What I am discovering through my own inquiry and investigation around this topic is that it is painful and exhausting to suppress one's potential. It takes a lot of energy to hold back what is alive within you.

Perhaps you would like to join me on this exploration. If so, here are some questions to ask yourself reflectively that you may find useful:

• In what ways am I holding back the expression of who I truly want to be?
• What is this 'holding back' costing me energetically? How is holding back impacting my relationships and my self-confidence?
• What is the greatest gift that I have yet to share with the world?
• What can I do today to express more of my potential and to be a gift to the world?
  

Step fully into your potential. The world awaits your greatness!

-Denver