Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Feb/March 2018 Aspire Mag Full Issue: Inner Prospe | Page 27

alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, or sex when
we feel uncomfortable; or escape through
myriad distractions to avoid fear and shame.
We are rarely encouraged to embrace our
vulnerabilities, or informed that doing so
shows us how powerful we actually are.
However, in truth, the more we embrace our
vulnerabilities, the more we can move from
fear to courage.
Courage comes from the Latin word cor,
which means “heart.” Such courage sources
deep within our hearts as self-acceptance
and embraces our vulnerabilities as
strengths not weaknesses. It encourages
us to fully engage in every life situation no
matter how scared or uncertain we are as an
opportunity for our spiritual transformation.
To be courageous is to lead with your heart,
and reveal your truth―your inner thoughts,
feelings, and experiences―honestly and
openly. It dares you to fully express who
you are.
When you fully express yourself, you venture
into the unknown territory of your own being.
Being courageous doesn’t necessarily mean
performing feats of external bravery and
strength but rather acknowledging our fears,
flaws, and imperfections and boldly acting
in the face of them. Thus, trusting yourself
to let go and embrace your vulnerabilities is
Being courageous doesn’t necessarily
mean performing feats of external bravery
and strength but rather acknowledging our
fears, flaws, and imperfections and boldly
acting in the face of them.
one of the most courageous choices you
can make.
As I transitioned from 2017 to 2018 these
past few weeks, I experienced how leaning
into my vulnerabilities moved me from fear
to courage. Throughout the holiday season,
I watched as my fear-based patterns of
people-pleasing, perfectionism, and care-
taking surfaced with my family and friends.
The anxiety that these patterns triggered
wasn’t trying to upset, irritate, or make my
life difficult. On the contrary, it was just
trying to get my full attention, to make me
aware of what patterns I needed to let go
of completely. It was time to bless and then
release the fears that held me back from
embracing my truth, owning my power, and
fulfilling my soul’s purpose.
Before I could create my intentions for 2018,
I needed to spend time in solitude and
reflection. It was important for me to take
a deep dive into what I was letting go of in
2017. I know when our light is brightest that
is when we see more of the shadowy side
of our ego the clearest. So my spiritual truth
was right there waiting for me to embrace
and bring it close like a long lost friend who
I hadn’t seen in a long time.
E