Live the Life You Love

What holds us back from accomplishing all of our dreams? In most cases it is simply the confines of our own minds, which are too often ruled by fear. There is the fear of failure and the fear of getting hurt, but the biggest innate one for us subconciously is the fear of death. Let's face it, fear of the unknown comes with the thought of death. Where will our spirit go? Will we go to heaven or hell? What is heaven really like anyway? Have you ever found yourself asking these or similar questions? Death is truly a part of life. After all the only thing that we know for certain is that someday we will die. 

Photography By Libby McAvoy

As I sit on my airplane looking out the window at the fluffy beautiful clouds I am reminded of wondering as a child what it would be like to hop playfully from one cloud to the next. I clearly remember pondering how much I would sink in or if I would fall through the bottom of the clouds. These inquisitive thoughts are symbollic because I pictured myself going to heaven after death on earth. I thought that is what it would be like; I woud just live “up there.” As an adult I realize that clouds are impervious or unaffected by us. I have even driven right through them in the mountains of Tennessee. So, what does that mean? I guess I will never get to bounce on them, they have no soft fluffy texture that I once thought. 

The mind is powerful. Things are not always as they seem. The most important thing we can do is to think positively and attract positive outcomes. When we live in fear we are not making the most of this beautiful life we have been given. Yes, we will die someday, but many of us are never fully living to begin with because of fears that hold us back. Go after your dreams, believe that you deserve happiness because you do. Make the most of everyday and ask yourself the folloing questions:

1. Who am I? (try to avoid titles and think deeply)
2. What do I really control?
3. What can I say no to to make more time for things I want to try?
4. What do I desire most?

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Photography by Libby McAvoy

I am currently reading "The Daily Stoic Journal", which encourages daily journaling. Each day the book poses a new question and I am guided to focus my awareness on that particular thought and then write about it. It is amazing how much clarity this process is bringing me. It is helping me understand myself better. We are each unique beings, but at our core we are all the same meaning we are divine beings, yes all of us. No one is bad we just make poor decisions sometimes, some more than others. So I no longer believe in heaven or hell. I do not know where our souls go when our bodies perish, but I am letting go of fear. I am changing the direction of my thoughts to start living each day. I am letting go.

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Feeling like a road warrior (warrior two pose) in Kentucky.

Let go and simply live, love and laugh. Yes, we might get hurt, but we might not. We never know unless we try. So, have faith and stick with positive thoughts! As Paul so eloquently wrote about dealing with uncertainties in life in his last blog, embrace those uncertainties and allow life to bring you beautiful surprises. 

Peace and Light,

Libby

P.S. - If you enjoyed this blog, please click on the "Likes" button or leave a comment below. We love hearing from you! You can also connect with us on Instagram; @libbymcavoy @thepaulgarrett @totalsoulfuljourney

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Awaken • Inspire • Empower

New Posts Every Tuesday and Saturday

How to Deal With Uncertainty

August and September are transitional months and with change comes uncertainty. As we transition from summer into fall many of us are dealing with big moves in our lives. Some are starting new jobs, others are going off to college for the first time, and many of us are actually moving to new places.

It is possible to sit comfortably with uncertainty. Photography by Paul Garrett

Uncertainty can be stressful and the anxiety that it brings does not sit well with most of us. We like to know what is coming up and to have total control over our futures. The reality, however, is that we have little control outside of ourselves. There are just too many factors that depend upon other people before they can be worked out. What we can control, however, is how we respond to what is going on around us. Self mastery and faith are two practices that will help you to conquer uncertainty and to grow in mind, body and spirit.

I think that most of us take life too seriously and that we care way too much what other people think of us. This leads us to perfectionism, people pleasing, double guessing and stress. During a time of transition it tempting to force our will upon the outcomes not only to feel in control, but to also impress other people out of fear that they will judge us if we fail. 

Use uncertainty to your advantage. It can be a good thing! Photography by Paul Garrett

I’m moving in September and for the first time I don’t know exactly when and where I will finally end up. People want to know “what’s your A plan and your B plan?” This time around I have given my plans up to the Universe, trusting fully that the best outcomes are in the works for me. In the meanwhile I am going to go on a road trip that I have been dreaming of for awhile to see parts of the USA that I have not seen in years and to gather new inspiration and photos for this blog. This might sound crazy, however, the Universe has brought me some unexpected experiences and opportunities over the past three years that have been amazing. As a result I’ve truly learned to trust the journey and let go. Thanks to my growing faith, I’ve become comfortable for the most part with uncertainty. In fact, I often welcome it because it can be exciting and it is always a catalyst for my growth.

Here are 5 tips for dealing with uncertainty:

1. Practice faith - Trust that the Universe has your back.
2. Work on yourself - learn a new skill or try doing something that you have never tried before. This will give you confidence.
3. Eat healthy food - Unhealthy food is a source of stress, but fresh organic fruits and veggies will give your body the perfect energy to keep you healthy and feeling good as you deal with uncertainty.
4. Move your body - exercise will make you feel more confident and energetic.
5. Surrender and release - Visualize the outcome that you are looking for and then surrender it to the Universe. Trust that everything will work out perfectly for your highest greatest good.

Uncertainty is a part of life. Welcome it as an opportunity to change and grow. Sometimes it takes being terribly uncomfortable to move us out of our comfort zones and into action. Growth only comes when we challenge ourselves and I believe wholeheartedly that we are not here just to eat, sleep, work and pay the bills. We are her to enjoy life, to learn, to love, to fulfill our purpose and to grow.

Wishing you all the best,

Paul

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Awaken • Inspire • Empower

New Posts Every Tuesday and Saturday