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Leap of Faith

Is there something you’ve been yearning to do but just haven’t had the courage, confidence or finances? Sometimes  a leap of faith is the simple yet scary answer.

In a very perplexed and interested way I’ve been asked roughly the same question four times this week on separate occasions; “How did you go from a steady office job to teaching yoga?” The simple answer is that I left my job in which I knew ultimately wasn’t right for me to go to India, studying yoga and be teaching a class three months later.

The emotional answer is that it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. A leap of faith is what ultimately pushed me across the line. So often I talk to students and friends who yearn for drastic change – be it in their relationship, career or lifestyle. But because they’re holding onto a certain set of beliefs about their self worth and efficacy they haven’t taken action. My fears surrounded uncertainty – not knowing if I would be any good at it and not knowing if I would make enough money from it. For a while these fears were blocking me but I eventually plucked up the courage and followed my heart.

I certainly don’t have all the answers but here are three motivators that gave me that running start to take the leap:

Give yourself room to think. 

Don’t quit your job or break up with your lover on a whim or because that’s what has inspired you today. Give yourself time to think away from other people’s judgements and advice. It’s good to listen to others but ultimately make a decision that comes from your heart. Sit or lie down alone and ask yourself what you want. See what kind of reaction your body gives you when you ask it. Do you feel anxious or strained? Do you feel soft and relaxed?

Feel Inspired.

If it’s a career change or a new adventure, find someone who’s done what you want to do and work out how they did it. Watch YouTube videos, follow them on twitter or if they are someone in your life, take them for a coffee and pick their brains. If you’re going through a relationship break down surround yourself with people who care for you and will inspire change in you that will give you the confidence to make the right decision for yourself.

Make Fear Your Friend.

If you decide there’s something you really want to do but you’re scared, feel the fear and do it anyway. If you’re truly not happy in your current situation, elevate yourself to a better place and LEAP. Feel the freedom of courage.