Open Your Mind to Expand Your Horizons

Imagine yourself 10, 20, maybe even 30 years from now, reflecting on your past experiences over the course of your life. Will your photo albums showcase a wide range of adventures? Are you usually eager to explore new territory and try new experiences? Or instead, do you prefer to live more predictably with few changes to your routine? Much like the popular 2008 hit movie, Yes Man, starring Jim Carey, making a commitment to participate in new experiences can truly breathe new life into your spirit and new passion into your heart.

We all experience hesitations. During yoga classes, I am always challenged when my instructor urges me to let go of my constant evaluation of everything. I might battle thoughts like, “How is everyone else doing with this tough Reverse Warrior pose?… gosh, I don’t look as poised in this position as she does. Maybe I should scale back to the more simplified version so I don’t risk losing my balance.” Our subconscious can easily fire off criticisms – but you have the power to change that.

My challenge to you is to go ahead – give yourself permission to try the more challenging yoga pose. Why not? Go for it! Say “yes” to yourself and open your mind to the possibility of emerging from your comfort zone. The worst that could happen is that you lose your balance and topple onto your padded mat. If so, pick yourself up, let out a genuine giggle (or a bellowing belly laugh if you feel like it) and try again. Ask for help if you need it! On the other hand, the best that could happen is that you prove to yourself that you can do more than you think! You really can master that challenging Reverse Warrior pose. The point is that we embrace the opportunity to live a more fulfilling life by discarding our pre-conceived notions and becoming more open-minded to healthy activities that present themselves to us.

Okay, well, yoga class is one thing, but opening our mind to saying “yes” on bigger things might be a tad more intimidating, right? What happens if you push your envelope in the area of meeting new people and making new friends… and then you are disappointed? Maybe that new person has let you down, and your heart hurts right now. Beautiful goddess, I want you to know that all is not lost.

A trusted mentor of mine would sometimes tell me when I endured heartbreak, “I’m so glad that you’re feeling this pain… because it means you’re growing!” What!? That was the last thing I wanted to hear! But the truth is… she was right. It takes a close confidant to push us into becoming more spectacular, doesn’t it? All experiences are learning opportunities, and our unmet expectations are often the most productive seasons of refinement, as we are shaped and molded into the empowered individuals that we have become.

Trust me. Expanding your mind by opening it up to new ways, different people and unlimited possibilities may seem like placing your heart in a vulnerable position. But I promise you that the risk you take in making increasingly bold attempts to expand your life’s horizons is minor in the face of the world’s unlimited beauty awaiting your embrace. You will meet people who make you laugh more, discover strengths in yourself that you didn’t previously know about and possibly inspire others to break beyond their own boundaries to experience the joy and freedom that you have recently allowed yourself to enjoy.

So go ahead – make a decision to burst through a hesitation that you know is holding you back! Unlock your full potential as a delightfully daring diva and put yourself out there at the next social event. Say “yes” to taking a dance class with a friend or even experiment with that outrageous recipe in a new cookbook. You’ll be amazed at the empowered woman that emerges as you open your mind and heart and allow God’s beauty to pour in. Don’t be surprised when your closest friends tell you that they can see something new that’s attractive about you!

Copyright (c) 2010 Dawn McIntyre
----------------------------------------------------
Dawn McIntyre, Professional Spiritual Intuitive, is an expert in leading men and women into higher states of expansion and beauty consciousness. Join her on the Boldly Beautiful exclusive member's community at http://www.boldlybeautiful.com for daily interaction and guidance in manifesting your beautiful life, from the inside out.