“Who’s BOLD?”
“Life is a journey not a destination”. I’m not sure what magnificent human being can take credit for coining that phrase but who ever it is… thank you. Time and time again those words have delivered a magic tone that reminds me to be and act on the present moment.
Today I’m writing to share with you something I have been dealing with on my journey. Recently I found myself feeling like my life had become stuck in a scene from the movie “Ground Hog Day.” To some degree everyone reading this has been there and can relate to what I am saying. I know my life is extremely blessed, so what I found most confusing was the wrestling match between my gracious heart and a feeling that I can only describe as dull. In my mind, the best way to break free from mundane living is to get creative and shake things up. It seems easy enough and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a break in routine is needed and its time to venture out to try new things.
I could go into detail of all attempts I made to do things differently in search of the fresh energy that comes from something new, but I’m guessing you probably have better ways to spend your day and plus that’s not really what I want to get across here. Clearly, working to create intentional change in daily life has its benefits, but for as much as I tried to turn my days into something new it still left me hungry. I was yearning for something else and it needed to come from a deeper place. In one of my many attempts to be infused with excitement and enthusiasm, I escaped the noise of daily life and slipped into a place where I knew I could be available to listen to the voice of deeper wisdom. What I heard was, “You need to work on your BOLDNESS.”
I probably laughed out loud when this came to me because there are definite times when exercising boldness got me in a lot trouble. It certainly wasn’t the kind of insight I was expecting to hear, but I was open to contemplating what it meant.
I admit the lazy side of me was intrigued by the idea that I didn’t have to get out there and DO anything any longer because my new role was to be open and welcome to the challenges as they present themselves. Living in the mystery seemed adventurous enough. Trust me when I say the moment you commit to something and have faith in knowing the universe will support you there is no shortage of opportunities that will come your way. Being allowed to relax or be lazy was definitely a misconstrued judgment call on my part. Fair warning ladies and gentlemen; Hold on because those of you who choose to participate this is where the adventure begins.
As soon as you decide you’re going to be INTENTIONALLY BOLD everything you haven’t wanted to face seems walk through the door and stare you dead in the eye. I felt as if someone just handed a spotlight and megaphone to my critical self and gave her permission to speak. That tantalizing, snotty little brat was holding a private event in my honor to announce all of my “would of’s,” “could of’s,” and worst of all “should of’s.” It became very clear to me that even though I may be bold in many ways it was time for me to step my game up because I was just called out for taking up to much room on the sidelines.
I’m sure you’ll find as I did that being bold means a lot of different things, but let me make one thing clear about the type of boldness I’m referring to; It must be free and clear of your ego’s motive. This means you exercise boldness in a way that supports personal growth and evolution yielding the kind of results that transform existence into something greater and better. It’s also important that you know the core of intentional boldness is love. With that in mind and based off your experience you can decide what the meaning is for you. For now, this is what being INTENTIONALLY BOLD means to me:
~ Unconditional honesty and love work together.
~ Doing what’s best and letting go even though it might hurt. (Surprisingly, almost everything heals faster than you expect)
~ I allow and accept versus trying to make anything happen.
~ I quiet my voice and let go of the need to be right.
~ Anytime there is an opportunity to be kind I must.
~ Reaching out even if there’s a chance the other person won’t be receptive.
~ Following my intuition and knowing that it doesn’t need to be backed up with logical reasoning.
~ Instead of avoiding the things that bring up uncomfortable feelings I face and embrace them with awareness.
~ Choosing peace and acceptance over worry when it comes to what others think of me.
~ Being happy for someone else despite their insensitivity.
~ Being vulnerable.
~ Making the first move and taking risks with no guarantee.
~ I get to laugh at myself A LOT more… 
In closing, for lack of better words I will say that practicing intentional boldness has lit one of the biggest and hottest fires under my ass. I’ve gone from feeling intimidated, to being inspired, to absolutely fearful, and finally ecstatically liberated in a matter of short moments. The beauty in all of this is that none of us have to do it alone. In fact, I am officially inviting you to join me in this new adventure. Throughout life we will stand before many doors and I truly believe this an opportunity whose knock you can’t ignore. So what are you waiting for? It’s your time to open and welcome the arrival of your new adventure filled with a multitude of opportunities to become even more alive then ever before when you decide to be INTENTIONALLY BOLD.
May you seize the day with a gracious heart and intentional boldness…. May you be inspired and liberated… May you be blessed…
High 5’s, Much Love, and Many Blessings my friends! Xo,L
Joe Hernandez said,
April 15, 2011 at 3:19 pm
That was amazing! I was just what I needed to jolt me out of the dull complacency I’ve been feeling lately.
wayne harmon said,
November 29, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Thank you for living in the moment and actually creating yourself and this world in the same moment. Thank you. Seriously. Thank you Lesley
lesleypelkey said,
November 30, 2011 at 4:53 am
Much love and gratitude to you Wayne~
…. And Thank you!