Think It Is Impossible? Think Again!

We each carry around limiting beliefs and a suitcase of excuses that we use to get in our own way and stop us from living our wildest dreams. We say things like “be realistic”, “it can’t happen”, or “that would be impossible” and then we go back to living in our comfort zone severely limiting what is possible for us.

I am not someone who watches much television, but this week I was riveted to the screen to see Marlee Matlin make her debut on Dancing with the Stars. Think it is impossible for a profoundly deaf woman to compete in a slick ballroom dancing competition in front of millions of people? Think again my friend. This woman showed up with her personality larger than life, took the dance floor, and not only did OK, totally wowed the crowd and the judges. She was absolutely amazing and inspiring. I was on the edge of my couch late in the evening pumping my fists in the air and hooting and hollering. You would’ve thought I was deep in my March Madness mode not watching ballroom dancing.

It was one of the most courageous and life affirming moments I have watched. In one passionate, sexy, cha-cha she proved once again that there are no limits to what a deaf person can do.

It is not without irony that the same week that Marlee appears on Dancing with the Stars her character Jodi breaks up with Bette on The L Word. In a pivotal moment Bette says the following words to Jodi: “I love who you are, I love how you stand in the world. I love your talent, I love your passion, and I love your anger.” While I realize this statement was made in the context of a fictional character, I have to say personally I think these words fit like a glove to Marlee the person.

I can almost hear you saying to yourself – “that’s really inspiring, but she is a celebrity, talented, and nothing like me” or some other half-hearted excuse for why you may be holding back from doing something you’d really love to try (even if it scares you to death). I’m here to tell you that in all the work I do and all the training I have had – you are simply projecting your own light, seeing your own greatness within her.

What is one thing on your life or business that you have wanted to do for a long time? It may not be the first thing that comes to mind but rather that consistent voice that has been speaking to you for some time now that you’ve been managing to silence. I guarantee you that if you have a pulse and are breathing air; you have at least one probably many things you yearn to do.

Once you bring that to mind, make a quick list of why you can’t have or do what you want.

Now take a look at that list. Look at it knowing that they are all just reasons you have created or excuses you use to hold yourself back. Don’t feel bad about yourself for it, just notice that these are the stories you’ve been telling yourself.

Now – pick just one thing you really want and take one itsy bitsy step in the direction of that dream. It can be seemingly insignificant, but just one step will get you started. The minute your crazy mind takes over and starts spewing excuses or impossibilities, stop, take a breath, and say to yourself “So you say that is impossible. Is that really so?” This will help to loosen your minds grip on its righteous position that it can’t happen. Then breathe deep, look yourself in the eye in the mirror and know – that even the seemingly impossible is possible if you believe and take a step outside your comfort zone. Life is short after all, so why not? (Those were Marlee’s exact words on they show when asked why she chose to do it). So, why not for you as well?