Etre Coincé

(Monsieur Dries Van Noten)

être coincé (Fr.) Be stuck (Eng.): verb;  to be wedged in and unable to move further.

Ever find yourself stuck? Unable to find your inner voice in order to resolve an issue, define next steps, or manifest a lifelong dream?

Here's a quick and easy go-to for me when I find myself in this space...

I find that it helps to list out some people who inspire me. They can be role models, heros, or just people who I am admiring for whatever reason.

Then the next time I get stuck and am ready to let the Vampire of Despair kill my project I ask myself... “what would ___ do in this situation?” It also helps to write this down in a journal, notepad, or if you are like me, a blog. It makes it more real and therefore makes me more accountable.

I always seem to ask myself “What would Dr. Wayne Dyer say about this?” And he usually replies, "Ask Diana."

Here's my current admiration rotation:

• Dries Van Noten
• Madonna
• Dr. Wayne Dyer
• Diana Vreeland
• Oprah
• Scott Schuman
• Amanda F. Palmer

Who's in your rotation?

Passion

Passion (Eng.)/ Passion (Fr.): noun

• A strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything.
• Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.

The single most important step to connecting with your passion is to find the things that turn you on and begin doing them. Don't judge what they are, just do what you enjoy. For me, that means fashion magazines, documentaries, Paris and wine, and not necessarily in that order. This is the key to living a passionate life.

There are three elements that you must have in place as you tap into your passionate life:

• Friends
• Facts
• Faith

Friends: Surround yourself with people who love and support you and have your happiness and best interest in mind. This does not mean that you should look to naysayers or pessimists to supply you with love and support, but rather, seek those who are ready and willing to lift you up.

Facts: Want to create your own comic book? Open a wellness center? Publish a blog about possibilities? Gather the facts. Do the research and find out everything you think you need to know to make the next step. This is important because you will undoubtedly face fear along the path, and when you do it is a good idea to revisit the facts in order to keep the fear in check. Similar to the comfort that we get when we pet our dogs or cats, I call the revisiting of data "petting the data".

Faith: Take a leap of faith and act. Step off the cliff and learn to fly. There is only so much due diligence that one can accomplish before needing to jump. As Cheryl Richardson said, "You must act. You must try new things. You must pursue the things that interest you. You must make mistakes. You must act. Because action opens us up to passion."

Reconnecting with your passion gives you energy that counteracts the fear that no doubt will pop up time and time again.

Future

Today's horoscope seems especially applicable. I wonder if Madonna felt this same sensation before she embarked on NYC with only $35 in her pocket?

Guided by the Universe

You might feel convinced that your ideas are on the right track toward achieving your goals, for knowing what you want and how to get it could give you the sense that everything is going to turn out for the best today. Perhaps your self-assurance could be the result of your belief in yourself and your trust that the universe will guide you to find the right path. Focusing on your connection with the universe today can enhance your feelings of confidence and give you a greater sense of what the future may hold for you. Just reminding yourself periodically throughout the day that the universe will take care of you—and knows what is best for you—might make it easier for you to place your dreams in its hands. You may notice that your confidence strengthens the more you are able to let go of your desires and let the universe take over for you.

When we know that the universe protects and guides us, we cultivate a greater sense of ease about what the future holds. Our feeling that things will work out is usually rooted in our knowledge that there is a strength in us that will help manifest our dreams. Much of this strength comes from our relationship with a power that exists beyond us – something that can give us hope even when times seem rough. By placing your trust in the universe today, your confidence about your future and your dreams will flourish.