(This article is dedicated to
Richard Bach)
My friends said, "Don't do it. If the current
doesn't drown you, smashing up against those rocks surely will."
My
parents said, "Oh dear, why choose such a big one? What will the neighbors say?"
My co-workers said, "Think of those who never made it."
The
doctors said, "That ocean will drown you quicker than the weariness you feel.
Let's check your medication."
My lover said, "What about me?"
Others said, "So many obstacles to overcome."
But it's my
ocean. My obstacle! My challenge! My dream! I attracted it. I will trust. They
all asked, "Why?" I wondered," Why not?"
They focused on the
difficulties, I on the solutions -- my freedom, my happiness, the crossing, and
the adventure.
Everyone laughed. "It is too big, too deep, too cold,
too tough, too many unknowns, too many hungry sharks. Stop now before you get in
over your head."
I realized that their way of life was built on
resistance. They had learned from birth to never question, always to follow, to
fear change, and to give up. But I was tired of clinging tightly to my old way
of life. I thought, "How will I know if I have the power to swim with the sharks
if I don't try? I will learn how to allow the current to guide me." I turned
away. I tapped into my courage. I let go. I took a deep breath and stepped into
the deep end of the ocean of life.
I looked back just once. I turned
to all of them who represented each and every one of my doubts, and I said,
"Dear parents, teachers, schools, businesses, religious institutions, and the
world at large -- you have done and said everything possible to convince me that
it is acceptable to live an unhappy, fearful life, and insisted that I must
accept limitations and be miserable in order to get what I want. But I say that
happiness is one of the most important things in life. Joy, laughter, love, and
the freedom to choose adventures will let me dream my highest vision and think
my deepest thoughts. They will lift me to freedom and let me breathe freely and
become wise.
It is you who are under a spell. Your beliefs about
separation, limitation, and terror have put you in bondage. I say it is my
birthright to feel loved, calm, happy and abundantly blessed in the moment. You
can find freedom if you will only choose to believe in yourself and let go."
As I began to move away from the crowd, I said in parting, "You will
see me on the other side of my dream. I will be the one radiating success and
joy, and shouting with gladness that I did it. I swam with the current. I
learned from the sharks. I overcame the riptide. And in the end I will meet
those who see me as I now see myself: triumphant, aware, happy, loved, loving,
grateful and abundantly blessed."
© 2005 All rights reserved. Melissa
Zollo www.presentmemory.com Sign up for Free Newsletter.
Melissa Zollo Author of "Discover the Power of
Imagination & Secrets on the Law of Vibration www.PresentMemory.com
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