When working on something, whether it’s developing a new skill or continuing to build on one we already have, we encounter a barrier of some kind, and we don’t know what it is. From my experience, most people think of it as being hesitation or fear. It could be. Whatever fears they have surrounding their efforts come into play, and they try to find ways to work around or deal with the fear. That’s great, but what if those creative methods don’t work? Is it really fear? Often what is assumed to be fear is actually resistance.

The first question I hear after mentioning that there is resistance is, “Why would I be resisting it if it’s what I want?”

The question I ask them is, “Why are you resisting it if that is what you want?”

The point is to get them thinking about underlying issues. Take the concept of success, for instance. This one is huge. There are so many stumbling blocks to this that this article wouldn’t be long enough to list them all. There are fears, legitimate ones, as well as ones that are unfounded. There are beliefs and energy anchors to consider, and don’t get me started on leftover energy from past lives. Muscle testing or working with a pendulum can help dig through all of that to get to the heart of whatever is holding you back from an energy standpoint, but there is more to consider.

The biggest thing we humans resist is change. We like to be comfortable. We like to settle into our lives where things are as we expect them to be. We like dreaming about winning the lottery, or going on an expensive vacation or having that fancy car, but we also on some level resist those things because they will bring about the dreaded change.

A conversation with a friend of mine this weekend reminded me of my own resistance. We were discussing how she observed that others were acknowledging my talents and abilities. I immediately said that I was uncomfortable with it. The situation triggered an old pattern I apparently still possess from being bullied in elementary school. Never mind that a significant amount of time has passed since then. Anyone who has been bullied knows that the thing to do is to keep your head down, your mouth shut and make yourself as invisible as possible. The last thing you want is to be acknowledged for anything.

It’s not that I’m not proud of what I can do. I sincerely believe that if you are not using the gifts given to you and skills you’ve acquired, that you are wasting what has been given to you. Not all people are meant to do all things. We are all meant to do things we’re good at and love. Period. Artists are meant to be artists. Garbage collectors are meant to be garbage collectors As long as you love it and you’re good at it, that’s your place in the puzzle that is humanity and you can take your place with pride. There is a price when you’re good at what you do. There are always going to be people who view you as competition or as the reason they don’t succeed. That has nothing to do with you. That is the reminder given to me by my friend this weekend. I am not responsible for how others choose to feel. The only thing I am responsible for is doing my best with what I have been given. There is no reason for me to hold myself back because of things I can’t control. My objective is always to act for the highest good of all concerned. That doesn’t mean I don’t make mistakes, but whatever harm I do is never intentional.

The point of all this is to say that we need to give ourselves permission to express ourselves to the fullest extent our soul requires with the highest and best for all concerned guiding our thoughts, words, feelings, and actions. What others choose to do is beyond our control and not something we need to worry about. Release fear, embrace change as much as you can and notice when you’re being resistant to something. Look at it. Is it a legitimate concern? if so, what are your options? If not, release the energy of worrying about it the Universe knowing it will resolve itself.

Resistance can be obvious or subtle. Take the time to think about those things that you’ve been struggling with and determine whether what you have is hesitation or resistance.