Stories: Refusing the Call

We have already talked about the power of story ... how we have all been provided with the beginning chapter of an incredible story ... how we move from the ordinary world into our dream by recognizing and responding to the unlikely calls that present themselves. You would think that great stories would have the hero or heroine excitedly moving forward at the first sign of opportunity. But that is not usually what happens. Most often the next step is a refusal of the call. This week I want to explore the action of refusing and what part it has in the process of putting the pieces of our dreams together. 

Refusal can take many forms. For Moses in The Prince of Egypt it was: Who am I? What if they don't believe me? Send someone else. For Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit it was: Sorry, I don't want any adventures, thank you. For Simba in The Lion King it was not wanting to face his past. For others it might be: I am too old, or too young. Someone might be disappointed in me, or get angry. I have always done it this way. It is too risky. Who am I trying to fool?

Personally, I have refused many calls. Some of those calls even re-occurred over and over again. But most of the calls had a common theme: in the face of criticism and conflict with others I refused to pursue what I knew to be true. 

Why is it that many of us don't value what we genuinely have to offer, instead pursuing something that is not authentic? Why do we refuse the story that has been designed for us, for a story that does not fit? I know that for me, I did not feel that what I had was what was needed.

Whatever your reason for refusing, the calls will keep coming. Like me, you will probably have many opportunities to answer the call so now would be a good time to understand what refusal looks like for you. Even better, why not let some people around you know what is holding you back as you continue your journey into authenticity and your dreams.