The Power of Decision
May, 2009
by Angelique Devost
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're probably right." - Henry Ford
In January of 2006, I stumbled upon a women's retreat scheduled for late May in Santa Barbara, California. As I read the description of the program and perused the website of the beautiful location, I thought, "This retreat is going to save my life." I was facing some very difficult decisions and decided that it would be the best birthday gift I could give myself.
Looking up airfare online, I had a difficult time picturing myself sitting in a small, coarse fabric, coach seat. All of the mental pictures I had of myself flying across the country to this wonderful retreat included my butt sitting comfortably in a leather, first-class seat. I decided to trust the vision and booked myself a first class ticket to Santa Barbara.
Along with the vision of my posh flight accommodations came an opening of the heart and a beautiful flow of energy. I realized that in the moment I chose to trust the vision, I sent a powerful message to the Universe (God, Spirit, etc.) about what I deserve. I had chosen empowerment. Amazingly, the first quarter of 2006 turned out to be the best quarter to date for my graphic design business!
I began to observe my day-to-day decisions and view them as a continual communication with the Universe. What messages am I sending when I tell myself I can't afford something, or when I feel undeserving, or I feel I am not capable? Who decides what I can afford or what I deserve or what I am capable of accomplishing?
I have concluded that it is I. I decide.
Since that time I have had to remind myself many times about what I deserve (what I can do, etc.). A momentary resolve to change a limiting belief does not usually wipe out years of basing our decisions on beliefs such as lack (the belief that there is not enough money, love, health, _______ to go around).
Think of a limiting belief, such as "there is never enough money," like a well-worn path through the forest of your mind (this is a biggey for most people, myself included). We travel that path because it's there...we don't even think about it. Just as when I walk in the woods near my home, I walk the paths created by the many hikers and bikers that have gone before me.
But if we want to go someplace new, let's call this new destination prosperity, we cannot get there traveling the same way that led us to lack. We have to forge a new path. Cutting through the brush and moving the rocks to accomplish this requires time and diligence, and a vision of where we are going is also essential.
This is the essence of empowerment. Using the example of money, we must first identify where we are now - this is our starting point.
The second step is to imagine where we would like to be. It could be a specific dollar amount we would like to have in the bank, or something less tangible such as a feeling of prosperity, or mastering money management.
Once we've identified what we want, we need to look at what needs to change in order for us to get there. Sometimes it's something practical, such being more mindful of how we spend money. More often than not, however, what needs to change are the limiting beliefs we hold about money, beliefs we have confused with truth.
Lastly, identify your next growth step in regards to money and phrase it as an affirmation. For example, if your ultimate goal is to have $20,000 in your savings account, your next growth step might be "I save $50 per week and am excited about reaching my financials goals." Including words that evoke positive emotions make affirmations more powerful. Create a visualization to go along with your affirmation, such as opening your bank statement and seeing a balance of $20,000.
Affirmations, combined with examining and eliminating limiting beliefs, are effective tools for transforming any area of your life. Until you become aware of the beliefs that are guiding your choices, you cannot make conscious decisions.
As part of our empowerment programs, we have exercises and tools that will help you discover your limiting beliefs and create lasting change in any area of your life. Our 6-Week Empowerment program is designed to be flexible to accommodate individual needs, and our Empowered Relationship program caters specifically to those who want to attract a healthy love relationship, or improve their existing relationship. Visit our website for our program schedule or call me at 802-989-6694 for more information.