How I Became an Inner Adventurer (Part 3 and final)
Back to the story…
As I pursued my new path, each step I took drew me further toward finding the true me – the part that I was overlooking all along. What an adventure it was! It was terrifying at points, but worthwhile from the benefits I was realizing. I learned to grow past my fear, try new things and ended up uncovering what really was missing: a sense of who I was authentically.
My biggest realization was that I had the answers all the time. What I had wanted so much was within me, where before that point I’d been looking outside of me to find something else.
Along the path of growth, I learned to honor my strengths. Amazingly, my strengths were different from those of other people I knew. Up until then, I thought I had to develop the same strengths everyone else had. I suddenly felt the freedom of acknowledging my uniqueness. Living this way felt more natural and comfortable. And I was finding it much easier to be with and relate to other people.
I also made another remarkable discovery: I’d been pretending much of the time. My years in the business world had helped me hone a false persona that appeared uncaring and tough-skinned. What I found beneath that guise was a sensitive soul trying to guard itself from a callous world.
Actually, I did care about many people and things, perhaps too much at times. What went on in life around me affected me deeply. It was time for that softer part to come out of hiding. I wanted to live true to my own genuine way of being. At this point, I could see that business hadn’t been the place for me to let it blossom. I was flourishing in a gentler, more nurturing environment.
One day, years later, I was on the phone with a dear friend and fellow coach. She described me as a “quite an inner adventurer” and it stuck in my mind. That comment crystallized for me that my answers were within. All it took was knowing which questions to ask and having the courage to ask…and answer…them.
As I continued to grow, I started seeing others with new eyes. I saw their fears, low self-esteem, trying to transform supposed weaknesses and living to others’ expectations instead of pleasing themselves. They were likely also missing a part of their natural development as I was. I grew more determined to find other people who were willing to venture within to find their own confidence, comfort and ease as I had begun to experience.
Today, I pay my benefits forward, helping other inner adventurers, introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) through what I discovered. I provide understanding and new perspective. I support each client’s dreams and desires while empowering them to experiment with new ideas and options, face their fears, search within and use their own strengths to live freely.
What’s really neat is through this quest I found the ideal way to use my insight and love of mentoring. I help my clients by being their catalyst and guide as I give each of them my wholehearted support. I freely care for each one, knowing that everything matters as I work with them to sort out and focus on what is most important.
That’s my story. The key to unlock your personal brilliance is within your reach; in fact, it is within you. You, too, can find your own confidence, comfort and joy!
