"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."
—Audre Lorde

Greetings everyone-

My coach and mentor recently posed a challenge to his clients and program alumni. I knew this challenge was going to be in the form of a contest asking us to submit a testimonial in video format. I was ready to say how my business model dramatically changed, how I created a more effortless sales process, how much my business had actually increased by using his methodology, etc. But I was stopped in my tracks when I received the rules for the contest. He did not want testimonials that were about how much money you made from working with him or even how successful you were. He wanted a testimonial that showed how much more FUN you were having in your business and your life.

Fun? How was I going to show how much fun I was having? I could talk about fun. I could put some story together showing me having fun. But how compelling would that be? Somehow all the scenarios that were going through in my mind in creating this video didn't inspire me.

For a time, I was stumped and discouraged and felt like I had hit a wall. Although I wanted to participate in the contest and win, I also wanted to create something authentic that expressed my appreciation. What to do? I could not think of anything inspiring or creative.

During my morning meditation for the next few days, inspired actions started to come to me about the video. But those actions scared me and took me way out of my comfort zone. The first message I received was, 'this video has to be about your embodying fun". OK, got it, but how was I going to do that? The subsequent message was that "you are going to be singing the testimonial". What????? Are you crazy? I am not a singer!

The song, "Your Love is Lifting Me Higher" as sung by Rita Coolidge kept coming into my head. (I know, as a meditator I am supposed to bring my attention back to my breath and not engage in what my mind is manufacturing, but my creativity was having a field day and I was loving it).

OK, now I was inspired and happy that my creativity was in full force, abundant form, and a vision was forming. But I was now dealing with my mind. Who did I think I was singing publicly? And "what are people going to think of me?" I would be putting myself out to be judged by the world. (On YouTube, as part of the contest format.)

But taking "imperfect action" and "being who you are" is one of the tenets of my life and certainly in my work. The vision was now clear. Next was the courage to act on it. I decided to go for it. It didn't matter anymore what people thought or even if I was going to win. I was doing this now for me and my breaking through. I also got support from friends and colleagues who helped me put the pieces together and encouraged me to keep going.

The making of the video catapulted me to a new sense of self confidence and appreciation for who I am. What I learned is to trust the vision that is revealed to you and have the courage to act on it. The vision supports you in being MORE of who you are!

Below is the link to my short 3 minute video – the finished product of my Vision, and taking action. You are welcome to post your authentic and
heartfelt response.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZlb0TwLC5I

My hope is that this brief story inspires YOU to connect with your vision and take inspired action today!

Related posts:

1. A Vision for 2010