“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” - Paul Coelho
This one struck me. It’s funny how you can hear the same idea come up in many different ways before it finally clicks on a visceral level. And this time it really clicked.
Some context: I’ve been very slowly reading the Alchemist by Paul Coelho and I just recently arrived at the above excerpt. An excerpt that has since lingered in my mind rent free. Upon reading it, I could see so many aspects of my life clearly. The moments of paralysis, the leaps not taken, and the erroneous belief of ‘I can’t.’
It wasn’t all encompassing but more than enough to give me pause and reflect on the real power of our mindset to shape our lives. I used to think that the negativity and doubt were harmless or even motivating. Now I see that these things are an anchor. Not evil, just really heavy and far more cumbersome than one might think when they are used to it.
It is worth seeking to release such a burden.
I write this, recognizing the fear inherent in letting go of the familiar. Change can be scary even when it is for the better and especially when the burden we carry served as protection for us at some point in the past. But it is worth reflection and I daresay a conscious effort.
Life is hard enough as it is, we don’t need to make it harder on ourselves.
There is no doubt that our goals present hurdles and challenges, however it appears that no-one has achieved their dreams, who didn’t at least have the audacity to try. So I will keep trying. And I hope you will too.
Be well and see you on the next one!