By Laurel Elders
Vision. Let it illuminate the path to what is calling you.
Courage. Let it move you to not look away and step forward.
Trust. Let it build the bridge to your success.
Grace. Let it lift you above the grime.
Commitment. Let it anchor you to the real.
Humility. Let it be the keystone of your empowerment.
Gratitude. Let it fill you with the blessings of each moment.
Love. Let it fulfill your heart with inspired action.Life’s virtues – you may not be able to see,
yet feeling their presence sets you free.
That which you feel
is what becomes real.
Everything you need,
is planted as a seed within your heart… which is always the best place to start.
The above came to me in a dream. I woke up feeling surprised and inspired. I wrote it out fully the next day. The timing was quite miraculous.
I had been grappling with my husband over our being states away from each other as he was at Air Force Search and Rescue training. I woke up struggling. I felt sad, lonely, like a single mom again. So, I went to my heart for the answer and asked myself, “While he is away following his life’s calling, what do I want to be the possibility of?”
I thought about it. Well, definitely not the depression I felt. What about “support”? Well, yes, that would definitely be a great gift to him. What about not just any support, but “proudly” supportive? I could be the possibility of proudly supporting him as we venture to be of service to others. Yes, this I could do! Until he returns I choose to be the possibility of Proud Support. Engage!
Later that week, my 17-year-old daughter wanted to bring her boyfriend to a family breakfast I had planned last minute for us. I thought, “Oh drat. I wanted it to be just her and her brother, like old-times.” My heart sank.
To me, a sinking heart is a clear indication that something within is not lining up. I didn’t feel good about my knee-jerk reaction and asked myself, “What do you wish to be the possibility of in this scenario?”
Well, definitely not the conflicted, unsupportive or shunning type of mom. Hmmm… the answer wasn’t coming, so I went deeper into my heart. Then it clicked! I want to be a family that loves and welcomes all. Actually, the more the merrier! That is clear. I let her know right away that he was very welcome to join us!
The gifts of the human spirit empower our path.
They are the virtues within each and every human being.
Yet, they are activated only when we choose them.
One thing I’ve learned over the years as a mom, wife, coach, and teacher, is that we find our true self by stripping away the fears, the defense mechanisms, the triggers, and the doubts. We step into our truth. Once we find ourselves, we also get to choose ourselves. We get to be the author of who we wish to be in this world. The beauty of virtues is that sharing them increases their value. As we think in ways that are more virtuous, we shape our lives with meaning and this touches the lives and hearts of all the people we cross paths with.
Imagine a world inspired by the very virtues that are embedded within. Imagine a world where people are inspired to make a difference. Imagine a world where your life is your light shining bright.
Are you facing a challenge this week? I ask you, “Despite the challenge, what do you wish to be the possibility of?”
About the Author
Laurel Elders, PCC, CEC helps people wake up delighted to be leading the life they’ve been called to step into. She is a professionally trained and ICF credentialed Integrative Life & Leadership Coach. Laurel’s classes, articles, and approaches teach people how to take life’s roadblocks and use them as stepping stones through their own wisdom, allowing them to fully lead a life they choose to love! She can be found teaching at her school, The Institute for Integrative Coach Training.
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