Every morning when I get up, I have a choice.  I get to choose how I will participate in the world.  I can either sit in the stands and wonder what it the game's like, or I can take a risk, get off my tush and play full on.

What's it gonna be for you?

As a child I was fully self-expressed.  There are numerous stories of my silliness and lack of shyness.  One night at a high school basketball game my mom was out taking a half-time smoke break (thank goodness she quit years ago), leaving me with a family friend inside the gym (I was 3 years old).  She heard cheering and clapping as the pep band played, and asked someone what was going on.  The person chuckled and said that I was out in the middle of the court dancing.  Dancing up a storm and in sheer delight, apparently I was impossible to get off the court until the music was over.  Even now, dancing fills my heart up.

Safely hidden. And exhausted.

There's a strange phenomenon I've noticed where people hide and downplay their natural and unique qualities, gifts and talents.  Rather than risk rejection being ourselves, we play roles that seem less different and more acceptable.  Why? It has the illusion of being easier and safer.  However in the long run it takes a ridiculous amount of energy to be inauthentic, to play a role and to continuously stuff our true selves and desires.  It is exhausting, the task of starving our souls.

There will always be a million very logical reasons to live this way-playing it safe, sitting back and waiting for the right time, money, discipline, relationship, effort, blah blah blah.  For the sake of growth, I'm calling us all out.

You deserve a life that illuminates you.  Your gifts and talents deserve the opportunity to be developed and to shine. 

Follow Your Passion; Fill up from the Inside

Recently I was challenged to follow my own advice.  I walked away from a potentially fantastic fulltime job opportunity.  In the end, I realized that though it is a wonderful company and cool role, it would take me away from what I'm most passionate about--speaking, writing, and teaching.  I kept thinking, "I should go for this job" but I just couldn't do it even though it sounded like a good idea.

Then I made a commitment that I will only focus on topics I'm passionate about.  My favorites (for which I have boundless energy), are about living a life of excellence and inspiration, fostering courage to live to the edge of one's potential and contributions, and supporting others to create extraordinary relationships.  When I devote to these areas, I do my best work, and people sense and take on my excitement.

Suddenly, within days of my commitment to let go of the potential job, numerous ideal opportunities appeared!  A company hired me to come speak on inspiration, living in excellence, and "playing big."  I'm negotiating with a national organization that supports 1.1 million consultants where I'd be able integrate literally all of my gifts and passions.  It is profoundly shocking and yet so simple. 

Express yourself fully, do what you love, and the rest will follow.

Liberate those hidden aspects of yourself which energize and nourish you.  Let go of reasons (excuses) why you aren't making time for your favorite hobby (even if it is 30 minutes a week!), and commit to what gives you bliss.  Express how you really feel and be open to the idea that your sharing might deepen a relationship rather than damage it.  Let go of what is no longer a match for who you are.  It is in living your gifts and being your true self, that fulfillment and inspiration become close companions.

Get in the game and play big!