Photo by Kate Macate on Unsplash
Ever find yourself invited to something or somewhere and your first thought is thank you, but I’m not sure…. ? I’ve find myself in that exact experience a lot over the past couple of years. Often times, when I’m not sure I sit with it for a while. For me that means, seeing how it feels in my body, if it is a positive feeling or not. I try not to let my head brain in on the first run through. I like to listen to my heart and gut brains. Once I know the answer, then I check in with my head brain.
My head brain thinks – only thinks, doesn’t feel. When I am thinking, I contemplate: Is this in my best interest? Will I bring value to the situation? Will this experience bring me joy? Am I open to the experience whatever it may be without attachments to the outcome? Will my acceptance of said invitation be in the best interest for me, those whom invited me, my family,…
I also have to be aware of customary prejudices or warnings. For instance, will I be safe? Will I feel comfortable? Am I actually wanted? Will I be treated kindly? Can I trust the people/situation/place? These pieces of fear that are trapped in my cells from long, long ago. I check in with them and acknowledge their presence, knowing they come from experiences where I didn’t have the same skill set I do now.
Especially if it’s a big invitation – to something I’ve either never done, or have little experience doing -I check in to see if I feel a lot of excitement and a little bit of nervousness. If so, this is the key mixture! Excitement means that I’m ready, willing and able and the nervousness is either because I really care and/or stepping into the unknown.
Last weekend, I said YES! to two invitations – and my experiences have been more than I even expected, even without being unattached to the outcomes. I enjoyed a thrilling afternoon on a raft being pulled around by a boat and have started a new adventure in my career! My career is not a path, but a tree, with many branches, and I am allowing them to grow – one invitation at a time!
What is the next invitation you are open to responding with a YES?