Now is the Time: 52 Steps on your Mountain

A big, warm welcome to Now Is The Time: 52 Steps On Your Mountain!

Imagine a practice that keeps you focused on you and where you are going … that acts as a blueprint, a springboard and a source of inspiration all in one package. Right from the start, understand that it’s not necessarily about what I say or share along the way. My thoughts may be triggers; however, your answers and direction are within you — the process created by Now Is The Time: 52 Steps On Your Mountain acts as a guide. It encourages you to ask yourself the questions that help you access and receive the vast resources and wisdom that lie within.

For over forty years, I have embraced several empowering practices since I was first introduced to the power of imagination and thought when I was 18 years old. I know what it’s like to look for the magic pill … the book or program that makes it ‘all better’ or clearer. Inevitably, it always, always boiled down to why I was willing to do ‘the work’ and how I intended to give it my fullest attention as well as incorporate it into my daily rituals as I saw fit. As Buddha said: “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

Now Is The Time is offered as an organic tool that is essentially yours to build … to bring some form of structure and flow to your process … to help you stay in close touch with your needs and wants – an interactive plan that you create to be more conscious of everything around you; to dream your dreams; to remind yourself to be still and know ~ believe ~ and, to take the action steps to achieve results that you define.

We can’t control everything and we don’t always receive what we believe we want — you and I both know that. However, we can seek a balance by coping and accepting what we cannot change (The Serenity Prayer!) and by harmonizing, working with or shifting what is before us. The key is keeping our intentions ~ our purposes ~ clear so that we are moving in the direction we intend. And, we must be willing to course-correct when circumstances suggest it is time to do so.

Over the next 52 weeks, you are invited to move through a fun, and deeply rewarding journey… like mountain hiking, you need to take one step at a time. It will help you focus on your desires and longings. This journey will help you get closer to where you are headed and is designed to encourage you to lead yourself on a daily, weekly, moment by moment adventure touching just about every aspect of your life.

You start right where you are. When you carry the energy of wanting to know and actively seeking answers, they find their way to you in the silence of an early morning, when you’re driving or in the shower. Working with your subconscious mind is a key to success. One of my favorite old books on the topic of ‘mind’ is The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. Right within your own being is a very powerful system – harness that power more consciously.

LET’S BEGIN:
Remember, this is your life and the time you spend with your journal will be fun, informative and so rewarding! Henry David Thoreau said: “Things do not change, we change” – so here’s an idea for how to start. Below, describe what steps you intend to take to make the changes you wish to see in your world. Then, state your goals.

Save your thoughts below, editing anytime, it’s great to redraft and refine your ideas. Define ‘why’ you are here and ‘where’ you are going. Every day, read this page. When you get ‘lost’ (we all do once in a while!) go to the last pages where you described how you will commit yourself and reaffirm and reactivate what it is you will do to move toward your dreams. The key here is to stay intimately and actively involved with the process of your own transformation.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
No matter when you begin, determine that it will be a new year of conscious being and accomplished doing. As best you can, fill it with love, joy, peace, understanding, fun and adventure!!

As an added bonus, I have provided an audio version of each week’s reading. We interact, learn and grow through a holistic combination that includes visual, audio and kinesthetic models. This journal process allows you to balance all three in a way that works specifically for you.

Absorb the short reading over a hot cup of tea or creamy cocoa … creating a warm atmosphere that may include soothing music. Reflect, respond and act on the reflections as often as you can. Make notes, capture ideas and use the extra pages as a place to store the treasures that come through your mind and heart – especially first thing in the morning!

Hold the energy of your focus throughout the week. Make it a creative work in progress – a sacred time and place set aside to help you nurture and feed yourself often throughout your day. Capture your plans, designs and vision for your future … and … don’t forget to move your body – dance, walk, run! Remember this is YOUR life: Use your imaginative powers to explore new possibilities.

The more you think about your intent, lessons, questions, answers, and other ideas that come up; the more you will accomplish each week and thereafter. Do take whatever action steps you need to move toward your goals. Beyond the ‘doing’ let your focus also rest in how interacting with your journal (synonymous to your life!) allows you to just ‘be’ in the moments of rest, play and silence too.

An optional, but highly recommended idea is to collaborate with a trusted friend and schedule monthly talk time as additional support to keep you engaged and on track. You might also consider a “journal club” with a small group of like-minded women (and brave men!). Gather monthly to celebrate life, encouraging and holding each other accountable to take that next step. Each one of you providing a new chapter of learning in this book we call life. Each one of you on a great quest to “discover the power of your story™” and to know that you can co-create the change you wish to see in your life and world community.

We also invite you to join our growing online community at www.globalwomenstorycircle.com . Share a story; inspire yourself and someone else too.

Now truly IS the time to climb to your mountaintop!

Go on, be brave and dream – spin your words believing they are the magic that create gold.

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi