Being open to the possibilities

I don't want to live my life cautiously and always play it safe. If you don't take risks how are you ever going to make a difference? The thing that stops me is the fear of failure. I for one should know that failure is only a stepping stone to success. It's an opportunity to learn and better yourself. Is it easy? NO that's why my human nature wants to avoid it. It can be humiliating, embarrassing, and sometimes discouraging. What it can be if you have the right perspective, character building, breaking your spirit to rebuild it and make it stronger, ridding you of your pride, encouragement to be a better person, and a reminder that you can do nothing without a strong faith in God. And the belief that He allows everything to happen for a reason.   

My students like to tell me that they don't like to fall. I always respond with, "It's figure skating it goes with the sport, just as much as landing the jump, if not more." It's like eating without food, IMPOSSIBLE. They don't want to fall because they're afraid it will hurt. Not only physically but mentally, who wants to fall in front of an audience? But what if you gave it all you had and you succeeded beyond your expectations? It's worth the possible bruises, isn't it? Why do we limit ourselves so much? Why do I limit myself so much? I think back on my skating career and see it as a time when I didn't limit myself. I had no expectations I just gave it all I had and loved every minute of it. Until I started to let that little voice in my head that said "you could fail", I was succeeding beyond my expectations. I want that back! I want that freedom to live and dream with no limits BACK! Why is it so hard to have mastery over our own minds? 

I have been thinking of ways in witch I can get myself out of this town and out of this rut that I feel like I am trapped in. Coaching figure skating is where my passion is, it's where I want to put my time and energy. Part of this decision, making it happen has to be practical, and the other part will be a leap of Faith. God wouldn't put this on my heart if I wasn't meant to make something of it, right? We are called to use our talents for the good of others. It's time to put myself out there and open up my mind to the possibilities!  

I hope you are having a Blessed first week of Advent!
XO
Ciao,
Rachel