…The goal in the message “From Fear to Freedom: To inspire the reader and to instill a sense of hope while managing life’s dreams and challenges – both personally and beyond.
I believe that now more than ever, we need to embrace the message of freedom: personally, professionally, financially, relationally, spiritually – and of course, stylistically! All we have to do is dial into the communities around us, connect with the media (caution: don’t linger too long, else you might get sucked in down), or get honest with what’s going on in our own homes (-or maybe it’s just your neighbors or friends who are struggling with something) to become aware that fear and anxiety are some of the driving forces keeping me, you, others – in chains and not living from a place of empowerment and freedom.
Is your sense of freedom lingering in an anemic state? Don’t you want to be free?
Free to have better work-life balance? Free to dream? Free to take risks? Free to walk toward your potential – your purpose?….Free to be confident and comfortable in your own skin?
In 2010 I was honored to co-author, “Incredible Life: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours” and the message of “From Fear to Freedom”. This message invites you to take risks to discover the possibilities of living an incredible life on the other side of fear and the message speaks unilaterally across all circles or life….Below is the checklist I promised you from a couple of weeks ago.
Checklist for the Freedom Journey
“If you run, you might lose. If you don’t run, you’re guaranteed to lose.” Jesse Jackson, American Civil Rights Activist
This journey (which is ongoing) is not for the lighthearted. It is essential to set the framework and pack the right supplies to help get untangled when you are stuck.
Begin with the end in mind. What do you really want your life to look like? Do you want to be free from the aching feeling that you are all alone? Free from the fear of failure? Free from the fear that you are just not enough? What do you want to be free from? Write it down:
Determine your values. When your values are clear, your decisions are easy because your values act as a compass for decision-making. Answering the following questions can help you begin to identify your values.
- What do you spend your money on?
- What do you spend your time on?
- What are you willing to fight for?
Put a safety net in place to give you some security when you are being courageous. Faith in God is a safety net. A supportive friend is a safety net. Knowing you can redo something if you make a mistake is a safety net. Who or what is your safety net?
Travel light. You will need grace, courage, forgiveness, commitment and gratitude but leave extra baggage behind. Let bygones be gone and do not think you have to fight every battle that comes your way. A spirit of forgiveness travels more lightly than hard-heartedness and resentment.
Choose the right travel companions. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who sincerely want you to succeed. Read books and magazines that offer new perspectives and discover possibilities that are brighter than our fearful minds allow us to believe. Find a good church, organization, coach or mentor.
Your mentors do not have to be people you have met. As a latch key kid dealing with a lot of confusion and adversity, my virtual childhood mentor became Oprah. She overcame her childhood adversities to become an articulate, successful black woman. I thought, “If this woman could do it, so could I.” Oprah became my example of what I could be. With perseverance, commitment, and desire I too, could be empowered to rise above my circumstances and create a meaningful life one step at a time. With a handful of true friends and trusted advisors, I am blessed to say I am on course. Who are the positive and supportive people and mentors in your life? Do you need to look for some more?
So, who wants to be free?
What one choice will you make today to step toward living a more empowered and free you? I know I sound like a broken record, but how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!
-Start small if need be. If you want financial freedom, create a small habit of setting $10 dollars aside weekly. Do you want personal freedom? Take personal responsibility for your actions and own your mistakes – even if it’s just admitting to something you think nobody cares about. Desire style freedom? Challenge the “why” behind not taking a step toward exploring how you really want to show up. Showing up a better version of yourself doesn’t mean you have to to go into debt to buy a new wardrobe – just challenge your thinking a bit….Are you using your clothing or the way you look to hide? Maybe. Maybe not. Perhaps there’s just a smaller bump in the road that’s getting in your way and with the right education will be easy to pass. (Just last night a woman on the way home texted me, “Thanks Kim. I’m already feeling more stylish!”. She only invested 1 hour in gaining answers that moved here several steps forward in her fashion freedom!) Perhaps it’s something bigger; however, and it’s holding you back in other areas of your life too.
No matter the circle of life, no matter how big or small – I encourage you to take one small step in your freedom journey…and build on it. Remember, the compound effect? Choose to make small, consistent choices and eventually you will get to where you want to be!
You ready?
….Another thing I’ve learned is that no one can desire it more than you. If you do or are already en route, let me know….I’m always looking for the “right” travel companions on this arduous but rewarding journey called freedom!
P.S. I invite you to follow the link if you wish to order your copy of “Incredible Life: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours”.
Championing YOU…YOUR CONFIDENCE, BRAND, and STYLE
From The “Inside-Out”, Kim
Desire more?
Kim Crumpler is Founder of Uniquely Savvy, Inc and is an 11 year veteran Personal Style & Branding Coach, Personal Shopper, Author, and Speaker. An expert, Kim delivers results and is passionate about helping men & women BE comfortable and confident in their own skin, look and feel amazing, and attract more of who and what they want in life! Kim invites you to: Join the conversation on Uniquely Savvy’s facebook business page, call her for a phone consultation to determine how you will best benefit from her expertise, or book her to speak at your upcoming event. Available for keynotes, workshops, seminars, and girlfriend parties, the programs your audience will love range from personal style, to professional image and branding. Additionally, Kim co-authored, “Incredible Life: Top Experts Reveal How to Create Yours”, and speaks to a variety of audiences on personal empowerment – bringing inspirational messages of hope and sharing practical tips and tools learned on her inside-out, “From Fear to Freedom” journey. Contact Kim @ 425.503.9885 or learn more at www.uniquelysavvy.com.