Written by: Samantha Buckley-Hugessen, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
A responsibility to live. I mean really live! To share the gift that is you and show the world who you are.
When I was young, I used to date a musician and I have one memory in particular I want to share that has to do with this topic. You see, this musician was one of the best of the best. And I’m not just saying that! He was truly, and I mean truly, talented and listening to him play was an experience in having your soul sing. This wasn’t just me, plenty of people felt the same way. Unfortunately, he had huge insecurities, the same kind almost any artist must contend with. Am I good enough? What if people don’t like me? What if I don’t get signed to a record deal? What if I don’t succeed? What if I do succeed, can I maintain it? What if... What if... I can’t... I can’t... I can’t...
So, not by accident and maybe unknowingly, he held himself back. He even had a studio gig with the Eagles (Yes, those ‘The Eagles’) and he no showed. Fear is paralyzing, isn’t it? It is the mind-killer, and more importantly, the dream-killer. Self-sabotage is a very real threat, my friends. I remember thinking “What a waste, what a rip-off!”. This guy was given this extraordinary gift, a talent that he had spent cultivating and developing, and then as soon as his big chance… he blows it. He was seized by the fear of failure, or maybe more appropriately, fear of success? I’m not sure. I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that he robbed all of us, thousands, probably even millions of people, of the experience of enjoying his music and allowing it to touch our lives.
We all know that music is a deeply moving and emotional thing for people. It makes us move or relax, dream or sing, it stirs up memories, it is a friend and companion at our highest highs and lowest lows. These are important life experiences! Let me try to put it into perspective. Van Gogh decides not to paint, or Jaime Oliver doesn’t cook. That is the power that is held within the life of a single person. You laugh, but my family has made his prime rib recipe as our Christmas dinner tradition for years now, it is a source of great discussion and enjoyment. Ok, more tangible to you, Edison doesn’t pursue the light bulb, Michael Jordan decided not to play basketball, Steve Jobs gave up on his vision. Is my point being made?
Those are just the big examples, but that’s the kind of impact we’re talking about here. It’s decisions like those that can change the course of our own lives. Have you ever heard a piece of advice? Or learned something from a lecture or writing that made an impact on you? Changed how you think about something? That’s it! You don’t have to be a world-class guitarist or painter. You don’t have to do things on the worldwide stage. You do you! You owe it to the world to be you, with every perfection and imperfection that comes with it. You need to show up, the world needs you to show up. I want the best for you. I want the best for the world. I want the best for my family and myself. So, all I am asking you to do is live your life to your fullest potential. You know what you are capable of (listen to the true voice deep inside you, not the programmed doubtful voice). You were not brought into this world with doubts, you were brought in with a purpose and an ambition! This doubt crap is self-made. Now self UN make it! Let your light shine on whatever level and at whatever gift you choose to bring. No doubts, no fear of judgment, no “I’m not enough” You do have a gift, it’s you.
Time to share.
Samantha Buckley-Hugessen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Samantha is an American Certified Coach originally from Seattle Washington, an ex-pat splitting time between Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Bellingham, WA. Sam is a force at 6’2” tall, she is considered “THE” Life Coach for Leaders, as their Confidant, Protector, Sounding board, Ultimate counsel, and Trusted advisor. She is transparent, direct, and down to earth. As well, she has an incredible sense of humor. Her deep belief is that life is meant to be fun! She is super effective and passionate about providing a structure of support and helping people design and live lives they love. In October 2019, Sam released her first Book UNS*UCK YOURSELF – The Guide to Designing a life you love, gaining AMAZON Bestseller status in 4 categories. Her company is perfectly named “A Designed Life, LLC”
