I wish to thank all of you who have been on this journey with me the past year. May 2020 be the year in which you deliberately gravitate towards your giftedness.

It seems that 2019 had its fair share of challenges, particularly in the areas of relationships, career, and money. We all faced our own unique challenges, and the only purpose of that was to draw our attention to aspects of our lives that are in need of change and renewal. We were offered the opportunity to make choices that are aligned with our authentic selves.

  
We love the idea that we have free choice. However, choices imply change and change implies loss. Deep down, we do not actually fear change, but loss. Every time we make a choice, we inevitably have to leave something or someone behind and that is often scary. The ego will always quickly list the worst-case scenarios of what I call the ‘what if downs’. What if this is a mistake? What if things don’t work out? What if I end up all alone without a significant other in my life? What if I don’t find another job? What if I cannot pay my bills? What if my pension or my savings run dry? What if I am not happy in the new country or job?

There are, of course, also the possibilities of  ‘what if ups’. What if this is not a mistake? What if things do work out?

 
The problem is that, the moment fear gets the upper hand, we tend to stick to the known, even though we are often dreadfully unhappy. Our ego-mind is also often trying to have us play safe by telling us things like  ‘rather the devil you know’ and ‘rather safe than sorry’. Thank heavens for every entrepreneur, explorer and brave soul who refused to choose safety but rather followed the True North of their own compass. They are the trailblazers. Most of us have a fear of failure. But those daring souls understand that, even though there is a risk of failure, their passion to stay true to themselves overrides their fear of failure. After all, it is better to have tried and lost than never to have tried. You may have some bruises, but at least you have a story to tell.

As long as we are directed by the inner compass of our soul, we can rest assured that we are following our own True North. How can one tell if the alignment is out?  It often shows up as boredom, frustration, irritation, impatience, a feeling of being overwhelmed, disillusionment, doubt, constant worry, blaming others, anger, seeking revenge, hatred, rage, jealousy, feeling unworthy and insecure, fear, despair, and powerlessness.
Typical emotions of being in alignment with the soul are contentment, hopefulness, optimism, enthusiasm, eagerness, happiness, passion, empowerment, freedom, love, and appreciation.

 
Whatever your intentions for 2020 may be, align yourself with your essence. Listen until you hear the whispering of your soul. Make choices and changes in all areas of your life based on your own True North. Let go of people and situations that are stealing your joy. Remember, we always have a choice. Not making a choice is also a choice.

This year we will often face the question: how do you choose? We should no longer make choices based on fear. Imagine what will happen if we all make love-driven choices. Imagine if we could love ourselves so much that we will do nothing to harm ourselves. Imagine if we chose to love life in all forms on the planet and to do no harm. It would be heaven on earth. That is exactly where we are heading. Let us walk each other there this year.