We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

- Joseph Campbell

If there is one question that defines whether we will have a full-filling life experience or not it is "Are You Willing?" We often have goals, desires, and dreams that we long for. We speak of changes we'd really like to see in our lives -- new careers, richer relationships, more self-confidence, or optimal health. Sometimes we find ourselves frustrated because what we want to see isn't happening. It all boils down to our willingness. The difference between success and failure; happiness and misery can be found in our level of resistance and our willingness to be fully present, take action, make a change, shift our thinking, or take a risk. If you're not willing, you can be 100% certain of the results and your experience. It will look exactly as what you're experiencing right now. If you keep doing the same things you've always done; you'll always get what you've always got. Or, so the saying goes...

In January I attended a very intense and life changing retreat called Radical Aliveness led by Dr. Susan Rangitsch. The core of the weekend was exploring the root of what it means to be fully alive. One of the take aways for me was the great reminder that in order to be fully alive you have to be willing. Willing to feel whatever you're feeling - the good, bad, and ugly. You also need to be willing to show up fully for yourself and others every day no matter what.

Sometimes you get to experience deep love, and sometimes great pain, but it is all part of this experience called life. In order to achieve what you desire you need to be willing to show up and create a daily practice that supports you in being your best.

Bring to mind some things you really long for. It could be in the area of relationships, career, personal qualities (example: feeling more confidence and comfortable in your own skin), community, finances, home, or just about anything you can think of. Then, ask yourself if you are willing to do what it takes (on the inside and the outside) to make this desire a reality?

As I thought about this topic more, and experienced a mildly wild ride of life events in the last few weeks, I developed a list of questions that really get at the heart of what it means to be a willing soul on this journey called life. Consider some of these as they apply to your life and see what comes up for you.

Are You Willing to...

Live with your heart wide open and experience great love?
Take action toward your desires even when you don't feel like it or are scared?
Follow your own heart and integrity even when it is unpopular?
Live with your heart wide open even when experiencing great sadness, hurt, or loss?
Feel the full range of emotions that exist without judging them?
Move forward, fall down, get up, win, lose, succeed, fail, get back up again and keep on going whether circumstances are smooth sailing or difficult?
Keep the faith regardless of what happens?
Be vulnerable?
Take a risk?
To say "no" when you mean "no"?
Get quiet, get out of your head and into your heart?
Be still and simply listen to your heart?

For the next few weeks, just notice where in your life you are willing and where you are not. Notice where you are open and where you are closed off. Is there any correlation between the areas where you are closed off and unwilling and the frustrations or lack of progress you are experiencing? What would it take for you to simply open up and be willing? Play with the idea a bit more knowing that it is safe to be willing and see what shifts for you.

Paula Gregorowicz
http://www.thepaulagcompany.com