How often have you said to yourself, “I’d really like to find a fulfilling job, get fit and healthy, or get my financial act together” yet, after a few attempts you find yourself pulled off course. Whenever I hear someone listing out all the reasons why they can’t achieve their goals, the same thought pops into my head.

“Who is driving your bus?”

It’s funny, because I flashed on that image of a bus for years before I paid attention to what it meant. When I took the time to think about it, I realized that my guides had put the bus in my head for a reason – to illustrate how we hand over the keys (our power) to other people, our own ego, and our past. The whole thing is a perfect analogy for the soul journey.

Let me explain…

Imagine yourself navigating along life’s path. You’re driving a bus, and you have a destination in mind. Why a big cumbersome bus and not a cute little sports car? Because you’re not alone – you need lots of room for your guides, family, and the various people in your life. Your bus even has a compartment for baggage. Do you see where I’m going here?

Some people stick with you for the whole trip, but like any bus, you will have stops along the way and passengers will get on and off.

So, what’s the problem? What could possibly stop you from reaching your destination?

When you travel mindfully, allowing your higher self to set the course, odds are good that you’ll make steady progress in the right direction. That’s not to say that you won’t decide to take some interesting detours, stop to watch the sunset, and pick up some strawberries at a roadside stand. Those experiences are part of your mindful journey, where you are fully present, and enjoying the ride.

However, there are some pitfalls (or potholes) to avoid and insights that will help you on your way.

Your route is beginning, so strap in and consider these suggestions:

• Pick a destination based on your intuition – your soul’s voice. You’ve heard me say it a million times – what other people think of you is none of your business. Your soul knows why it’s here. Have complete faith in your inner voice and don’t be distracted by anyone else’s opinions and expectations, or the fear and insecurity that you’re carrying around.
• There’s lots of competition for the driver’s seat, but always let your higher self take the wheel. When you find yourself taking a path that’s not true to your heart, that’s when you know ego is in the driver’s seat. Don’t let ego drive the bus – it will steer you off course because it’s vulnerable to fear and the judgment of others.
• Be mindful of where you’re going, and don’t spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror. Remember, you can’t change the past –any mistakes you’ve made are something to learn from, not a prediction of things to come.
• You’ll know you’re on the right path when you feel the flow! When you’re moving a direction that’s in harmony with your soul, you will feel peace in the knowledge that everything is happening exactly as it should. Obstacles won’t phase you a bit as you drive on, secure in the fact that you are fulfilling your true purpose.
• Don’t let the baggage spill into the aisles. Learn from the past but don’t give it power over you. Just as a bus has a dedicated area to store suitcases and bags, your spiritual bus has a safe place for emotional baggage; thoughts, beliefs, and fears that no longer serve you. Keep them there, and don’t let them interfere with your day to day journey.
• Keep fear in its place. You might encounter dangers and challenges along the way, but don’t anticipate problems before they happen. Your thoughts have power, and you attract what you focus on. Most of what you fear isn’t real, anyway. In fact, I consider FEAR to be an acronym for False Ego Appearing Real. Most of the roadblocks you encounter can be overcome with compassion and love – the language of the soul. I have come up with an acronym for SOUL too; Source of Unconditional Love.

The best advice I can give you comes down to this. To achieve your divine purpose in this lifetime, let your soul guide you. Choose your path based on LOVE, not FEAR, and most of all, enjoy the ride. Happy travels!