Stories from the Sanctuary

Vol. 2: September 2007

Stepping into a Bigger Possibility

by Victoria FittsMilgrim, Professional Certified Coach & Retreat Leader

          I'VE BEEN noticing the connections between Possibility and Letting Go, and how they are both in service of Living a Bigger Life.  All this began back when I sent out the email about 9/11 and how it was such a wake-up call for me to pay attention and make some choices that would lead to more personal and professional Aliveness. (Some of you are familiar with my image of the Alive-O-Meter… well it wasn’t exactly at its height back then.)  So down the Road I went.  And I’m still learning and seeking to discover all the ways that my Soul wants to express itself.  Only in order to really listen… to hear what’s coming through, I’ve learned that I have to Let Go.  I have to let go of my limiting beliefs or ways that I’m maintaining my safety with small thinking.  (If you’re a security junkie, you may want to stop reading now.)  I have to let go of how I only let myself dream ‘so big’.

At the seminar I just took in San Francisco, this got explored some more.  When I want to expand and create, many times I will assume that I have a variety of choices… A or B, C, or D.  I look at those and think, “Which one should I choose?”  To some this many look like lots of options, beyond black and white thinking.  But here’s the thing – when I make up (since it’s all made up anyway) that my choices are A, B, C, or D, what other possibilities have I just completely missed?  I’ve short-circuited the real road to authenticity, which is to just ask myself “What do I want?”  This is a whole different way to play!  Once I’m clear on what I want, I can ask for that – clearly and purposefully.  It’s about choosing what I want, not just what I decide is available.  But again, here’s where the letting go shows up some more.  Once I’ve clarified what I want and taken the time to ask for it, now it’s time to let go.  Because, as the poet Rumi said, “There are 100 ways to kneel and kiss the earth.”  There are many ways to achieve something and I may receive support that is very different from what I asked for.

t’s all good in theory but seeing this in action is so powerful and inspiring.  And that’s what happened when I picked up the book “Kabul Beauty School” on the way back from San Francisco.   This is the story of Debbie Rodriguez, a beautician from Holland, Michigan who went to Afghanistan in 2002, wanting to serve, wanting to help somehow.  Upon arriving with an international aid group, she first felt that only the doctors and nurses truly had something to offer the ravaged people, who’ve lived through some kind of war now for decades.  But little by little, noticing the gray-toned city with the women covered in dark burquas from head to foot, she realized that her mission was one of Beauty.  Since all the beauty salons had been shut down by the Taliban, there was this perfect contribution that she was totally qualified to make – starting a Beauty School!  While to some may this seem frivolous in a country where food on the table may be a bigger priority, her school and the opportunity it gives to the women of Kabul is huge.  The financial independence would be enough to make a difference, but creating a safe place for women to meet, share their stories and support one another to heal their broken hearts and spirits goes right into the Land of Inspiration for me!

So again, how does this come home to me?  Well that too, appeared on my trip to San Francisco.  I got to meet with a young cousin of mine and hear more about her business that supports financial independence for women of South Africa.  She sells products that they create there across the U.S., in specialty shops and on the internet (http://www.besweetproducts.com).  It’s another really inspiring story and I’m so proud of her.  As we sat at dinner talking about the different ways we each empower women, what emerged was how we could link together and have more of an impact.  The idea was born of how I could go with her and bring some of the empowerment tools I know to even further support these women, who are new to financial independence and the power that can bring to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.  Suddenly the space I could contribute in, never before imagined, expanded exponentially!  And let me tell you, it’s pretty exciting and pretty daunting as well.  I know there would be so much learning, not just for them, but for me as well.  Right now, nothing is decided but just a glance at this opportunity made me realize how much bigger I can dream!  Even though I sold my adventure travel business back in 1990, I’ve still dreamt of traveling the globe, only bringing my coaching tools with me this time.  So many of my values would be honored by this: adventure, making a difference, connection, diversity, possibility – just to name a few.

Moving into your world now, how does this story impact you?  Where are you limiting your dreaming?  What possibilities are out at the edge of your landscape…and beyond?  Let go of choosing from a small pond and take the leap to a bigger one.  I’m talking about allowing your passion to speak loudly so that you can follow the signposts.  Take the time to get quiet and open your heart to hear – what’s your next Possibility?

Victoria FittsMilgrim, PCC directs True Life Coaching & Retreats in Durango, CO. With over 25 years in the field of personal transformation she has been a Certified Coach/Retreat Leader since 2002. Her coaching and retreats offer a safe, loving and fun environment to come home to your True Self. Whether working with Victoria via 1:1 coaching, group coaching, taking one of her unique, nature-based retreats, or her Authentic Leadership programs, she is the real deal when it comes to sustainable and positive personal change.

Email Me or visit my website to learn more about True Life Coaching and Self Discovery Retreats.