When was the last time you traveled alone to an unknown destination? How did it make you feel? Are there other destinations that you want to explore but something seems to be holding you back from taking the next steps? Could it be that fear of the unknown has you in its grips? What do you feel you need in order to move past fear in order to enjoy the amazing life God has planned for you if you only trust and believe?
A few months ago, Julie, a young lady I met on MySpace more than seven years ago invited me to speak at a conference for massage therapists in Montreal, Canada. The thought of this 8.5 hour driving excursion was exciting but scary at the same time. I’ve traveled all over the United States and have even visited Japan, however thoughts of everyone speaking French and my not understanding the language caused fear to creep up inside of me. I asked everyone I knew who had visited Montreal about their experience in order to hopefully calm my fears yet, the stories about not being able to order food in some restaurants because of the language barrier unnerved me even more. I was in bondage in my mind and needed to break free.
Fortunately, the same principles that supported my transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency would guide me to freedom on my journey to Montreal. The last thing I wanted was to allow my debut as an international speaker to be plagued by fear of the unknown. I resolved in my mind and heart that this was the opportunity of a lifetime and that I would be open for opportunities for personal and business growth. This temporary bout with fear was going to elevate me, not bind me.
These are the principles that supported my safe and productive travel to an unknown destination and it is my desire that these same principles will support you or someone you love on a similar journey to a foreign place.
Find a Place of Refuge: A safe place to lay your head at night is essential to well-being and a feeling of comfort and security.
Be Open to Opportunities: No matter where you go or what you do, opportunities for growth abound if we are open to them.
Watch Your Mouth: The words we speak become our reality. We must speak the desires of our hearts into existence.
Surround Yourself with Love and Beauty: What you feel and see with your eyes is often absorbed into your being like a sponge. Choose to be love and beauty by surrounding yourself with the same.
Look in the Mirror: When faced with conflict, looking in the mirror and your own reflection may reveal the source of the conflict and help you more past it.
Count Your Blessings: Miracles and blessings are all around us and when we pause to acknowledge them, fear dissipates.
Believe You Can: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Versandra Kennebrew is the author of “Thank God for the Shelter: Memoirs of a Homeless Healer.” Kennebrew serves her community on the Board of Directors for COTS (Coalition on Temporary Shelter) and is a holistic health expert and coach with more than a decade of experience. She speaks all over the country inspiring people experiencing life transitions to never give up. Her books can be found in transitional homes, shelters and libraries around the world. To schedule a complimentary coaching session, visit www.versandrakennebrewintl.com