It’s Not Always Easy

The movie is based on the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite the country, and the words are from a poem of the same name ‘Invictus’ by the English poet Ernest William Henley.

As I heard them, I was taken aback at how powerfully they resonated with me.

But why? They are only words after all?
I think why they resonated so powerfully with me at the time is this…
I believe passionately (and have done since my teenage years) – that I truly AM – “the master of my fate”.

I have always taken responsibility for the shape of my life and if something wasn’t working… I took note. I made plans. I made changes.

But “I am the captain of my soul”
I don’t know that I had ever even thought about this … not until that very moment. But I love the idea of it… “I am the captain of my soul” – just the words alone inspire me to be the best possible version of me. Also, I can see now that it is why I feel so ALIVE and yet so PEACEFUL when I invest in ME and devote time to activities that inspire my soul.

Activities like travelling, photography, learning, growing & connecting. I think in more recent years, I have taken greater responsibility in this area – though I feel certain there is still more work to be done.

But something happened recently that made me realise that I was giving away some of my power in this area. Since the awareness, I have taken it back – reclaimed it. I have also invested in a new Programme with my coach and I am feeling very excited to see what the remaining term of the 12-week Programme will bring.

And now my question for you.
Who is the master of YOUR fate?
Who is the captain of YOUR soul?

Consider this:

As human beings our actions are constantly being influenced by two worlds: our internal world (influences include: our mind, our spirituality and our body) and our external world (influences include: the news, social media, music, family, friends, our home environment, etc.).

The most effective way to gain control of your life is to work on your internal beliefs so that they dominate your experience in the external world.

Start to notice your thoughts and beliefs.
Identify those which may no longer be serving you – or which might actually be holding you back from living your best life.

Change the soundtrack to the movie that is your own life. If you constantly play a backing track entitled “I’m not good enough”, try something new. Surely you can see that this negative belief is not serving you? How about “I’m strong, confident and beautiful” or “I’m growing in confidence every day”. What you think you become. Start to pay more attention to your thoughts and take control of what’s on your mind.

The way that you will lose control of your life and outcomes, is to let the external world dominate your internal world.  When you choose this path, you behave in a particular way in order to be accepted by others.  You fail to speak your truth for fear of judgement or criticism.  You live your life by the standards defined by others and consequently, your fate becomes what others determine and not what you have determined is right for you.

You allow ‘others’ to become the Masters of Your Fate.

This work can take time but start with just one negative thought or limiting belief for now.  Identify it, write it down, transform it, – and notice, that once you transform the thought from negative to positive, how much influence it has in your external surroundings.

If you are the master of your fate, you are responsible for everything you do and all that you achieve. Understand and acknowledge the results you’re getting today are the results of your efforts yesterday.  If you are not happy with your results, change your actions.  In order to change your actions – you must first start with your thoughts.

It is not always easy, but it IS always worth it.

Start now.
Take Responsibility for your Life.

x Until next time, sending you love x

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