Feeling Safe to Expand…

I wanted to grow and expand my business.

I wanted to broaden my horizons.

And yet, it did not feel safe.

Have you ever experienced this kind of uncertainty, this feeling of dread?

This has been an all too familiar feeling for me.

Deep down, I know my direction, I’ve charted my course, and yet, as I set off towards my goals, a part of me—especially my inner child—resists.

Having faced a lot of early trauma, I’ve grown attuned to my inner child’s voice.

That little one within who is frightened.

I’ve learned to be gentle with myself.

When my inner child whispers, “That’s not safe! We’ve never ventured there before. It’s unknown!”

I listen, recognizing the perceived danger.

During such moments, I’ve turned to different practices, including meditation and yoga, to soothe my inner child and signal safety to my nervous system, allowing me to proceed with more confidence.

Ignoring these internal alarms only intensifies my unease, so I’ve learned to heed these warnings. Some lessons I've learned are:

Lesson 1: Embrace Your Inner Signals and Wisdom: It’s essential to view any signs of discomfort you may experience, not as obstacles, but as personal messengers guiding you to self-care. If your inner child signals unease, it’s an invitation to pause and listen. This is a chance to connect deeply with your needs and offer yourself the same compassion you would extend to a dear friend in distress. By acknowledging and addressing these signs, you create a nurturing environment for growth.

Lesson 2: Develop a Personal Toolkit: Your personal toolkit for managing uncertainty is as unique as your business vision. It might include meditation to center your thoughts, yoga to release tension, or journaling to process emotions. The key is to have a set of reliable, go-to practices that you can turn to when you need to find balance. This toolkit becomes your ally, empowering you to navigate the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurial life with grace.

Lesson 3: Embrace Self-Compassion: Self-compassion is the gentle thread that weaves through the fabric of your business journey. It’s about giving yourself permission to explore, to make mistakes, and to learn without harsh judgment. When you treat yourself with kindness, you foster an internal sanctuary from which you can confidently step into the unknown. This self-compassion becomes the foundation upon which you build not just a business, but a legacy.

What signs emerge for you as you expand your business? How do you manage them when you feel unsafe?

As I’ve embraced self-kindness and compassion in my business journey, I’ve assembled a myriad of tools to ease the discomfort. The unease doesn’t vanish, but I’ve become better at managing it, ensuring my inner child feels secure enough to revel in the excitement and potential of venturing beyond the familiar.

May you find the courage to gently push boundaries, the wisdom to nurture your spirit, and the strength to manifest the grand vision you hold for your business and life.

Remember, every step into the unknown is a step towards the extraordinary.

Embrace the journey, for it is in the vastness of expansion that we truly find ourselves.

With courage and compassion,

Lenore