When I was leaving the house the other day, I noticed that a bird that was trapped in the ceiling of our carport. He kept flying and crashing into a small window. Since he could see the light and the sky through this window, he thought it was the only way out. What he didn’t realize was that if he simply turned around, he would find plenty of vast space right behind him to fly to freedom. (Watch the video of me discovering this bird.)
This immediately resonated with me because I have been in situations where I was set on only one way being the way. Just like that bird crashing into the glass, I was going nowhere fast. Had I simply considered another path or direction; I could have reached my desired destination.
In what ways are you feeling stuck?
Perhaps it’s your career, relationship, money, or fitness. You’ve put all of your strength and energy into one way of trying to reach your goals, but it simply isn’t working. This was the case for me when it came to money. I would have a recurring conversation with some of my most creative friends. The question was always, “How are we all so talented, yet still struggling?”
My one way of trying to make more money was to do more things. I would work more hours, take on more jobs, and agree to every opportunity that came my way no matter how much it paid. At the time, the conversation that I had with myself was, “How dare I turn down money when I need it so bad? How dare I leave money on the table?” But just like that poor bird who was out there for hours, I was left tired, worn down, and no further along than where I had started.
It wasn’t until I made a complete shift in direction that I finally began to meet and exceed the goals that I’d set for myself year after year.
Course Correct. Instead of trying to manage multiple side hustles at once, I released all of them and shifted directions by focusing on the one thing that I was great at. When I directed all of my energy into that one area, I began to see a substantial increase in my income.
Curate Your Crowd. I had been hanging with the same crowd for quite some time. In that season, the conversations and the way that we spent our time never changed. I shifted directions by reducing those interactions and focusing on spending time with people who were several steps ahead of me in terms of where I wanted to be personally and professionally. Eventually, all of their goodness began to rub off on me.
Cut the Cord. Initially, I would say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that came my way. Ultimately that became overwhelming and nothing was getting my best. Most of those opportunities were simply distractions in disguise. I stopped saying ‘yes’ and created a system to filter my decisions about what I would commit to. It had to be things that were in alignment with my core values, and that felt exciting or inspiring. I wanted to engage in things that I could look forward to, instead of things that as the date neared, I questioned why I even signed up for them in the first place.
This week I challenge you to examine the route you’ve been taking toward something you really want. If that thing you desire has been eluding you, perhaps it’s time to turn around. The path to the freedom that you desire may be in a direction that you've never considered, but it is one that has been there for you all along.
Manifestation Affirmations
I am cutting the cords that are connected to things that drain my energy.
I am curating a crowd that inspires and energizes me.
I am shifting toward that which serves my greater good.
Master Your Mindset to Manifest a Life You Love. Most Sincerely, Monica Marie Jones Your Soul Journey Guide