What is the First Step?

Good morning!

Funny, as I wrote the title "What is the First Step?" I realized this could've been my higher self telling me I should look at the first of 12 steps in recovery, which is "We admitted we were powerless over (your substance here) and that our lives had become unmanageable". That's not what I wanted to blog about, however, so I'm going to let that go for now.

I wanted to give a plug and a push for taking 1 step, 1 micro mini nano step or a giant long jump leap (which is still a step) in the direction of a dream.

My parents always used to say "Hate is SUCH a strong word" and to an extent they're right, but if you HATE something and I do mean HATE it, that's information which you could apply to making a change. Your soul might be screaming because this is the only way to get your attention!! If you HATE your job, for example, and can hardly stomach doing it for another day, then ask yourself, "What is the first step?" Take a step towards liberation. In this case, I suggest:

1. Updating your resume.
2. Letting 10 people in your network know you are looking for a new job and letting them know a few ideas you have of what you'd love to do.
3. Writing a 5 line job description of your new job.
4. Attaching a dollar amount. Women earn 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. This will change through a number of factors but one is women standing in our power and continuing to ASK for what we're worth.
5. Breaking up your day at work by going out for a walk or something, so you don't feel like you're stuck in a rut without any control. Begin to tell yourself as you get into motion "I am walking confidently in the direction of my dream job and I can feel it here now! I LOVE MY WORK!" Something like that, you know.

So this does relate to the first recovery step after all! Powerlessness is a tricky thing and one that can be terribly hard to admit. An addict is often beaten to the ground and I do mean GROUND before recognizing and accepting that without help, without 12 step help, perhaps counseling help, maybe divine help, he or she is not kicking this addiction. When a person goes through a loss, perhaps a death or illness of a loved one, it can be excruciatingly difficult to accept how powerless one is over the situation. People say time and again how simply out of control it all feels.

Which is why it makes grand sense to celebrate and seize areas where YOU DO HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE! I'm surprised at how often I internalize a sense of powerlessness in situations where I really have quite a lot of it. A LOT.

People advise how to "Find the One" and "Meet your Soulmate" often by advising to clear out old relationships and ghosts of lovers past. Make space for the new and allow him or her into your heart and life. Not a flawless theory, since some people meet their true love while still in relationships, hanging onto old lovers, etc etc, but from what I've read and observed, when you do create the space for someone new by letting go of the old, you're more likely to call it in.

My trainer (who will be here in 11 minutes so I better jet) encourages me to take "penguin steps" and he's right. Just a little step can radically alter the course of your existence. :) It's true. A little here, one there, a simple conversation, one application, a chance meeting, a first date...It's exciting. Lots to come!!!!

Best, L