🪨Turn Impassable Boulders into Stepping Stones to Answer the Call 👣

Your Call to Adventure, that subtle nudge or dramatic shove towards a new horizon, rarely arrives with a clear, obstacle-free path. More often than not, it echoes amidst a landscape obscured by limitations and real or perceived circumstances that whisper, "You can't," or "It's impossible."

Perhaps the call is a yearning for a creative pursuit, but the limitations of time, finances, or lack of formal training loom large. Maybe it's a pull towards a new career, yet the circumstances of current responsibilities or fear of starting over feel like insurmountable walls. Or perhaps the adventure lies in healing or personal growth, but past experiences or ingrained beliefs act as shackles.

There's nothing more disheartening than feeling the exhilarating tug of possibility, only to have it met with an immediate "but..." This "but" can manifest as a litany of limitations: BUT I don't have the money. BUT I don't have the time. BUT I'm not talented enough. BUT It's too late for me. BUT What will people think? BUT BUT BUT!

BUT here's the empowering truth: the limitations we face are often integral parts of the journey itself. (Read that again). Just like our fictional heroes who face seemingly impossible odds, our own limitations can become the very catalysts that force us to grow, innovate, and discover strengths we never knew we possessed. Overcoming these limitations creates stepping stones that are foundational to our progress along the path.

Think of the hero who is physically weak but must rely on their wit and cunning. Or the one born into poverty who must find unconventional ways to achieve their quest. Their limitations don't negate the call; they shape the "how" of their adventure.

So, how can you begin to turn your own limitations into stepping stones?

• Acknowledge the Limitation, But Don't Let It Define You — The first step is honest assessment. What are the real constraints? Is the issue a lack of resources, a genuine skill gap, or perhaps a fear masquerading as a practical concern? Acknowledging the limitation is not the same as surrendering to it. It's simply understanding the terrain
• Envision "immovable boulders" as "stepping stones" — Our language shapes our reality. Instead of viewing a limitation as a definitive end, try reframing it as a challenge to be overcome. "I don't have the money" becomes "How can I be open to ideas to creatively find the resources?" "I don't have the time" transforms into "How can I make the most of each moment with calm and presence?"
• Break Down the Journey into Smaller Steps — Overwhelming limitations feel less daunting when tackled incrementally. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain to be climbed, identify the very first, smallest step you can take. This could be researching a new skill, making one phone call, or dedicating just 15 minutes to improving your skills in a creative pursuit. Momentum builds with each small victory
• Seek Creative Solutions and Resources — Limitations often force us to think outside the same ole same ole. Example, could you barter for a service you need? Are there free online resources to learn a new skill? Can you find a mentor or community to support your journey? The boulder can spark ingenuity and lead you to unexpected allies and solutions
• Embrace the "No" — Sometimes, limitations force us to go a different direction or adjust our initial vision. A "no" to one path might open an unexpected clearing to a more aligned adventure. Learning to adapt and be flexible is a crucial skill on any hero's journey
• Cultivate Self-Compassion and Patience — Overcoming limitations takes time and effort. There will be setbacks and moments of frustration. Be kind to yourself during the process. Celebrate small wins and remember that growth often happens in fits and starts.

Your Call to Adventure is unique to you, and the limitations you face are part of your particular path. Don't let them silence the call. Instead, see them as opportunities for resourcefulness, confidence, and ultimately, a more profound and meaningful journey. 

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Action Prompt: Identify one limitation that feels like it's currently hindering you from answering a call in your life. Reframe that limitation as a stepping stone. What is one small, actionable step you can take today to get on firm footing? Nothing can keep you from your purpose—certainly not some rock!