One of the most stunting phrases in the English language is “I can’t.” How many times have you talked yourself out of something you really wanted to have or do with those two little words? “I can’t take that continuing education course because I don’t have the time.” “My partner isn’t supportive of me doing something for myself so I can’t go.” “I can’t ask for that kind of money! I’m a heart-centered healer/yoga teacher/therapist/artist.”

If you look for all the reasons you can't, that's what you’ll continue to find. And, you’ll continue to swim in your familiar cesspool of despair, discontent, or stuckness.

Distilled down, the words “I can’t” are very often an affirmation of our fear. This reminds me of “A Tale of Two Wolves.” A Cherokee legend, this story involves a wise elder talking to his grandchild about the terrible fight raging between two wolves inside each of us when we are faced with big decisions. One wolf represents darkness—fear, anger, stagnancy, sorrow, regret, superiority, and ego. The other wolf represents lightness, courage, curiosity, vibrancy, kindness, and love. The grandson asks, “Which wolf will win?” In his infinite wisdom, the grandfather replies, “The wolf you feed.”

Feed your courage; starve your fear.

This past spring, when it was fully evident that I needed to pivot the way I worked as a result of the pandemic, I began placing my thoughts and energy into all the ways I could continue to serve. While I knew in my head that people loved my massage work, I also knew that clients worked with me first and foremost because of who I am, not because of what I was offering. Once I fully embraced the notion that my character, personality, and healing gifts can be shared in so many unique ways, life began to open up in new and unexpected directions.

One of the best ways I fed my courage is through my commitment to become a BodyMind Coach. When I was interviewed for this program and heard all the amazing things I’d get to learn and practice, I felt bubbling excitement in my belly. This was the missing link in my life!

Then I heard the 5-figure price tag and my dark wolf sank its teeth into my flesh. How the hell was I going to come up with that kind of money when I’d lost 80% of my income with no end to the pandemic in sight? I cowered for a few hours, letting the grip of uncertainty fill every cell in my body. As I quietly licked my wounds and cried a few tears, the message became clear: “Commit and the money will follow, Jen. Invest in yourself and receive the abundance that will be gifted to you as a result. Feed your courage; starve your fear.”

The next day I paid my deposit and, almost immediately, things started to shift. In the first 6-weeks of study, thanks to the support of my one-on-one coach and the community of coaches in the program, I made choices that aligned with my core values and got about 3 years of “to-dos” done. I began unpacking some of my own limiting beliefs and unsavory tendencies toward self-sabotage (super scary!) while taking a baby step forward each day toward embracing ease in my life.

Here’s something else worth noting: very often, the biggest investments I make in myself are the ones that create the greatest transformation. A few years ago, I paid $3000 for an on-line business growth course. It was good and I had a few takeaways, but I never completed the work because the program did not offer the level of support I needed. I spent a lot of time floundering and feeling really lost. Now, after years of patient waiting, right timing, and just freaking going for it(!), I’ve found something that fits like a favorite pair of jeans. Embracing my courage is paying off big time!

I wonder…

• If a long-standing struggle became a thing of the past and you stepped into all of your brilliance, what would change in your life?
• What might shift for you if you learned to say “yes” to choices that light you up and “no” to choices that leave you feeling depleted and dull?
• How would it feel to stop doing “all the things” and start doing just the things that mattered to you the most?
• What will the costs of staying stuck where you are—in the job you hate, the unfulfilling relationship, or endless cycle of chronic overscheduling—be to your health and wellbeing?
• How would it feel to fully invest in yourself?

Are you ready to feed your courage and starve your fear? First, take a breath, do a happy dance, and celebrate your first shift: deciding to go for it! Then get ready for awesomeness!

I officially welcome you to explore BodyMind Coaching with me! Created by Laura Wieck, a former Licensed Massage Therapist, BodyMind Coaching brings you back into connection with the intelligence of your body to see, feel, and harness your innate power, helping you feed your courage and step fully into your radiance.

As your BodyMind Coach, I won't tell you what to do, but I will guide you to discover the answers that already reside within your wise body. Through powerful, embodied conversation I will help you create healthier habits that align with your core values and hold you accountable for stepping toward them so you can live your life rooted in heart-centered intention. Whether you’re looking to invite more ease into your life, release what no longer serves your highest good, develop a healthier relationship with stress, recover from burnout, or just live with greater vibrancy, I’ve got your back. When you feel yourself feeding fear and being pulled back into your old patterns, I'll lend a listening ear and be ready to help guide you back on your courageous path.

To get started, book a Coaching Discovery Call and let’s see if we are a good fit to work together. I can’t wait to witness your journey!

The world needs your kind of awesome. Let’s be brave together!

Jennifer