What is Keeping You Hostage or Stuck?

If you are unhappy in your job, in your life, or in your relationships, why are you not taking action to change your position, your direction, or taking steps to end the negativity in your life? Are your fears holding you hostage or keeping stuck? Do you fear rejection, failure or an even worse fate? Does a small voice inside of you warn you? “Be careful, you don’t want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.” This fear based thinking can keep you immobilized, exhausted, and frustrated.

 

This was certainly the case, with Susan, a mother of two young men with learning challenges and a job that she wanted to leave. I offered her the same well designed and highly acclaimed visioning program that I had been taught to jumpstart my own dreams. I had been drawn to Susan because I remembered myself being very much like her. She was a mom, clearly frustrated, worn out, and looking for another job with little success and was eager to investigate new possibilities.

 

She knew she was no longer content to work in a preschool. Her husband suggested that she to go back to school to hone her computer skills with hopes that she would land an office job somewhere. She was less than enthusiastic about office work, not very interested in returning to school to learn the Microsoft Office Suite and she was worried about her sons.

 

Her oldest son had been struggling in college and was home for the summer, not sure if he would be returning to for his third year. Her youngest was starting high school and she did not want to leave him alone for extended periods of time. She was seeking work-life balance and looking for work that would provide self satisfaction. Susan remembered her work days before children when she traveled around the world as a guide. She yearned to find another job that would be satisfying and yet keep her close to home.

 

Over a period of ten weeks, Susan and I worked together and she faithfully did all of the exercises in each module designed to crystallize her interests, values, and purpose in life. She was approaching the latter part of her work life and could no longer afford to waste her time or energy. In the visioning course, she identified her passion for art and decided to pursue artistic endeavors. As she found ways to incorporate art into her daily routine, I saw her enthusiasm mount, her energy improve, and her confidence emerge. She discovered many opportunities and took action to learn more about many of them.

 

She excitedly called me one afternoon, “Doreen, I have found a job teaching art. I will be able to design my own work schedule, teach in local elementary schools near my home and they will pay me twice as much as my old preschool job! Oh, and guess what else? The interviewer asked me about my availability and interest in a cartooning class that she had on the schedule.” Susan continued, “I told the interviewer that while I could teach the class, teaching cartooning was not my specialty. I told her about my oldest son’s interest and skill in cartooning. She wants him to come in for an interview!” As a result, of following her passion and sharing her excitement, both she and her son were hired to teach art classes.

 

A couple of weeks later, Susan noticed an ad about a new Art Center and decided to go to the meeting to learn more about the grand opening. She took her oldest son with her to the meeting and they learned that they still had working studios for rent. This opportunity excited both of them and they decided to submit art for review in hopes of gaining admission as working artists. During this process, Susan and her son, worked side by side on individual pieces, each offering support and encouragement to the other. They found common interests and passion and they both submitted art. A couple of weeks later, the announcement was made. As a result of interest, talent and action, Susan’s son was juried in and he was offered a studio.

 

At 20, he is one of youngest artists at the Art Center. He is very thrilled with his new livelihood, taking art classes at a nearby college to further enhance his knowledge and skills. He is much happier and now realizes that he is most successful when he is pursuing his innate interests and talents.

 

If his mom had not pursued her passion, I doubt that her son would have pursued his. She served as a great role model and while she was not offered a studio herself, she continues to pursue her artistic interests and teach art classes. The visioning course gave her permission to explore interests, values, and to connect to her sons and husband in new ways. She has more energy and vitality than ever and her family sees new possibilities for themselves too.

 

According to Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?” Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

 

Frederick Buechner reminds us that we are all connected and says, “The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”

 

Susan showed courage, perseverance and her loved ones emulated her. When we decide it is our right and responsibility to light our path, others notice and they will often decide to take action too. When a son or a daughter says, “If Mom can do it, so can I,” watch out, there is happiness and self satisfaction around the corner.

 

In closing, I will ask again… What is holding you hostage or keeping you stuck? Do you want your child to follow in your footsteps? Are you ready to emulate Susan and to commit to finding your passion, love, and purpose? If so, join me for the Finally, an IEP for Mom Experience and gain access to 4 Free audio classes today! Learn from my Mentors and Guides and Get Empowered Today to Move Forward!

 

Remember:

You are worthy!
Be the Light you were meant to be!
Lead by Example and your Young Adult will Follow!

 

Doreen G. Fulton
http://believeinarayofhope.com

 

About me:
I am a Mom, a Wife, and a Family Advocate who is determined to make the world brighter, more inclusive, and more appreciative of our specially challenged children. I hope to inspire you to Believe in a Ray of Hope when you are facing the obstacles and tribulations that life presents. I Believe in a Ray of Hope and plan to continue to build momentum for an inclusive society where all of our innate gifts can be truly appreciated.

 

I have an M.Ed. from Boston University and serve You as a Certified Dream Coach and Group Leader. As a Telesummit Host, I access my experience in Human Resources, Training, EEO and Special Needs to bring you the information you need to give voice to your Dreams and Desired Outcomes.

 

Tags:
Courage, Hostage, Light, perseverance, stuck, deepest fear, fear based thinking, fear rejection, art classes, work-life