This weekend I hit a major milestone: my first year of living authentically in Italy.
My journey toward finding a life filled with joy didn't start a year ago, though. It began seven years ago when I picked myself up off the floor after a devastating divorce, brushed myself off, and decided to put my needs and wants first.
It hasn't been easy. I've wanted to give up along the way...but still, I persevered.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where not everyone believes in magic. Not everyone feels entitled to have what they really, truly want.
And yet...I'm living proof!
Here are some rules that may help you on your own journey to living authentically.
1. You Have to Believe It to Make It a Reality
You've probably heard this before: thoughts create reality.
If you don't believe it's possible to, for example, move to another country, you're probably right. Because you're putting out the disbelief in the possibility, and that's the message the Universe receives.
On the other hand, if you actually DO believe in the possibility of creating that life of joy and abundance, you WILL manifest it!
But maybe you're not fully able to believe in your ability to manifest just yet. If that's the case, I encourage you to slowly build your confidence. Believe that you'll get a great parking place the next time you go shopping. Or that you'll come into a small amount of money. When that happens, you'll feel more confident and can go on to the next thing. Before long, you will be able to fully believe that living authentically is possible!
2. You Can't Rely on a Magic Wand (Alone)
All that being said in #1, your dream life isn't magically going to fall into your lap without a little effort on your part. You have to put in the work.
Do the research into where you want to live. How to start a business. Tips for traveling solo. Whatever your dream is. Then figure out the first step to making it a reality. That might include:
Applying for a visa
Hiring a spiritual coach (ahem)
Taking a business class
The Universe needs to see that you're committed to your goals. As they say, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket. In this case, the "ticket" is taking action steps toward your dreams coming true.
3. You Must Surrender to Divine Timing
Ohh, this one's tricky for me because I am SUPER impatient. I want everything YESTERDAY.
And so the Universe laughs at me.
Even if something doesn't happen on your timeline, that doesn't mean it's not going to happen. But sometimes (well, always) the Universe sees the bigger picture and knows that right now is NOT the ideal time for what you're asking for.
So accept that you're on Divine Timing. It'll happen. when it's supposed to.
4. You Cannot Push
This is another one that's been a challenge for me on my journey. I'm filled with masculine energy, which means I like to DO and PUSH to make things happen.
But again...this is not the Universe's way. Do what you need to do, then release control. I find it helps to imagine I'm floating in a river. There's nothing I need to do except BE.
5. Appreciate the Journey
I know you're gonna have that end goal in mind, but take it from me: the journey IS the goal.
Over the past seven years, I have had tremendous spiritual and emotional growth. I've learned so much about myself. And in this last year, as I settled into my life as an expat, I've learned just how much I can handle.
Appreciate every step. Don't focus so hard on the end goal that you miss out on all the gems along the way.
You absolutely 100% can live a life you're excited about. Once you let go of stories and traumas that have been holding you back, you can make room for the magic to come!