I am enough, I know enough, and I am worthy

Recently I stayed at Canyon Ranch…a world renowned healing and wellness resort in Tucson, Arizona. I got my boots shined at the airport, then flew down to meet about a position to create and run their equine retreats for 2018.

It was a dream come true.

During my meeting, I sat at the head of a conference table surrounded by a doctor, executive director, and leading therapist for the wellness program. In the formal setting, I felt myself go into “realtor” mode, like I was at a listing presentation and trying to impress people. With my hands crossed, I spoke in a serious tone and tried to sound brilliant and official.

I was caught in an old habit of trying to be someone I’m not. This stems from not feeling good enough, worthy enough, or smart enough.

I was well-prepared presenting my material but my body was stiff and tight. My face hurt from trying NOT to smile, thinking that would make me appear unprofessional. As I left the meeting, I felt physically exhausted like I had been carrying 50 pound dumbbells of inauthenticity.

It’s hard work trying to be someone you’re not and that’s exactly how I used to live my life 27/7 in college and working in real estate. The old habit had crept back in and I was painfully aware of it.

Prior to my meeting, I had seen in the Canyon Ranch brochure that there was a walking meditation labyrinth, amongst the hundreds of other incredible healing modalities.

I headed outside the building and asked a staff member driving around in a golf cart where the labyrinth was. He pointed down the pavement that turned into a dirt road and said, “About half a mile.”

Setting off at a brisk pace, I quickly came across the labyrinth sign. I exhaled a deep sign of gratitude. There’s nothing I love more than a good labyrinth walk, especially after a self-imposed stressful meeting.

I entered the labyrinth, repeating the mantra I should have practiced pre-meeting but none-the-less, it was coming to me now: You are enough, you know enough. You are enough, you know enough. I also added a new line: You are worthy.

With each mindful step on the rock-lined path, I repeated out loud “You are enough, you know enough, and you are worthy.” My body began to relax and I reconnected to the truth of why I was here.

I was offered this opportunity to share the healing gifts and coaching skills I have honed the past 7 years. The Universe was telling me it was time to take my equine coaching work to the next level, and in spite of my comfort zone-oriented ego, I was ready for it.

The next morning, I took advantage of a few Canyon Ranch offerings and attended a powerful meditation class followed by a lecture on the “Importance of Deep Sleep”. I loved the authentic styles of the presenters; open, smiling, friendly, relatable, and extremely well-versed in their topics.

My self-doubt dissipated and I was bubbling with excitement of why I came here in the first place…to share my expertise and create a top notch equine program for Canyon Ranch guests to experience the healing power of horses. I felt renewed faith in myself and a deep sense of gratitude replaced my fear. 

The meeting the next day went much better…100% contributed to the fact I gave myself permission to be ME and I stopped trying to be someone I’m not. I was smiling and relaxed. I was asking people about themselves and cracking horse jokes. I even had the head therapist saying “yeeehaaw” by the end of our meeting.

Being myself sealed the deal because I’m now going to be Canyon Ranch’s equine retreat facilitator for 2018, WOOT, WOOT! My home base will continue to be Colorado and I’ll be traveling to Arizona to lead their retreats.

The biggest lesson is that we are enough just as we are. When we try to be someone else, we lose. It was a reminder that stuffy, uptight Devon isn’t my gift. It’s not what people are looking for. And if they are, we are never going to be a good fit!

Being yourself is the key and it’s a relief to know AND trust that.

I’d love to hear from you…where in your life to can you relax more and be the REAL you? It’s a huge gift to yourself and to the world.

I am enough, I know enough, and I am worthy,

Devon

26 replies
  1. Loree Eliot
    Loree Eliot says:

    Congratulations Devon, what a great early Christmas gift for you. And what a gift to everyone who will come in contact with you . (And I did laugh out loud when reading the part about the interviewer giving a “YeeHaw”!). Here’s to new roads and continuing growth- May we all!

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Loree, thank you for your kind words…it is an early Christmas present and I’m grateful for this opportunity. Viva blazing new trails and continuing growth! XO

      Reply
  2. Holly Heartso
    Holly Heartso says:

    Oh Devon! Congratulations. Much deserved. I loved the line “stuffy, uptight Devon isn’t my gift”, your openness, and authenticity is how you are able to connect so well with people, and your ability to do it so well truly is a gift!
    I’ve been feeling like I’ve left some of “me” behind since moving in with my boyfriend. I’ve let some things slip (writing, yoga, prayer) so I feel less connected to myself. Those things help me feel grounded, and when I started to feel anxious and stressed recently (unlike me) I realized I couldn’t remember the last time I’d done any of these things. So, like you, I am working to stay connected to the “real me”.

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Hey Holly, I love your comment and self-awareness that you’ve noticed feeling disconnected to yourself lately. It sounds like you know just the tools to reconnect to the “real you” and feel grounded. I can SO relate and I’ve found that transitions/big changes can uproot us and then it takes some time to re-establish our foundation and become grounded again. Thank you for sharing YOUR journey as it’s a powerful gift to help others not feel alone. Much love and respect ~

      Reply
  3. Tammy
    Tammy says:

    What a brilliant post Devon! I was reminded of a number of things… the importance of being true to yourself, the value of having a mantra in your back pocket, the power of walking the labyrinth, THAT I TOO AM ENOUGH. Thank you. Mostly I was reminded of what a gifted writer you are and a beloved role model.
    Congratulations. You deserve it girl! More than enough. MORE than worthy.

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Tammy, I love hearing from you, 9 Gates sister. I’m glad this post reminded you of some things mostly, YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH. Indeed, labyrinths are powerful! Are there any near you in Canada?

      Thank you for reading and commenting…it means a lot and I feel your encouragement to keep writing. Much love~

      Reply
  4. Patty
    Patty says:

    This is so exciting, Devon…congratulations! You are such an inspiration for authenticity and taking action. It’s no wonder your clients resonate with you. As you help us on our journey, we get to be a part of yours. Have a warm and wonderful Christmas and I wish you continued success and all good things in 2018!!

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Patty, your comment hits my heart…your comments always do! Thank you for your generous and kind feedback, you hit the nail on the head of WHY I like to share. SO people don’t feel alone on the rollercoaster of life, and not only that, but we are ENOUGH. I believe many of us still need to be reminded of that. Progress not perfection 🙂 I’m honored to be with YOU on your journey. Merry Christmas! XO

      Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Thank you, Nichole! Speaking of amazing, I keep thinking of you on stage at your play and how you OWNED your playful, spirited essence. Your energy and enthusiasm is contagious and makes me smile 🙂 Cheers to more play/plays(?) in 2018!

      Reply
  5. Mary C Collins
    Mary C Collins says:

    I am so proud of you!!! How exciting to be part of a team!! I hope you negotiated them paying for your airfare. Do u have to transport your horses or will they supply y with some already out there?
    I remember being in the same trap of not smiling when I was being interviewed for a medical center ‘s first nurse practitioner position. So cool that you took care of yourself and found a labyrinth!!
    Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Thank you, Mary…yep, I will be working with horses in Tucson 🙂 Haha, I love that you can relate to the “not smiling” part. Hugs and Happy New Year!

      Reply
  6. Lorraine Jackson
    Lorraine Jackson says:

    Any good thing comes from God. I know that is politically incorrect in this day and age, but MERRY Christmas and praying for many blessing for you in the coming year.

    Reply
  7. Kara Sorensen
    Kara Sorensen says:

    Congratulations Devon! I’m so happy for you and all the people you’ll be helping at the ranch. They’re so lucky to have you.

    I’m glad you quickly remembered how amazing you are just being you. Yeehaw is right ⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Denise, I’m glad this resonates with you! YAY to showing up more in your life….the brighter we shine, the more we give others permission to do the same! xo

      Reply
  8. Leigh Clinton
    Leigh Clinton says:

    Devon,
    Late in reading this post but wanted to say congratulations. Your words are always inspirational and remind me to believe in myself.
    I would like to suggest a small change to your mantra, “You are enough, you know enough, and you are more than worthy.”

    Enjoy your new success!

    Reply
    • Devon
      Devon says:

      Hi Leigh, thank you for your comment and kind words! I love the change you added to the mantra….”more than worthy.” I hope you’re doing well and the horses and I send all our love. Never stop believing in yourself….we believe in you!

      Reply

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