Have you ever seen a dog standing at a glass door, waiting for their owner to open it and let them through, yet not realising that it is already open? They’ve been trained not only to wait for permission but that there is a barrier between them and the outside world that they cannot pass through. Over time, they will accept the barrier exists even if the door is open and there is no real physical limitation.

We do the same thing with mental barriers we place on ourselves or we believe others have placed on us. The door could be open and we could see through to the other side but we don’t pass through, we don’t even try. We tell ourselves we’re not capable of it. We say…

I can’t move forward because I’m not good enough, smart enough or pretty enough.

I can’t move forward because I’m not fast enough or strong enough.

I can’t move forward because I’m not rich enough or popular enough.

I can’t move forward because I’m not confidant enough, funny enough or charming enough.

All we need to do is try, simply (but perhaps not easily) put one paw or hand forward in order to realise that the barrier we thought existed is in fact an illusion. We can then experience a beautiful moment of realisation – knowing that it was in us all along, that we’ve always been capable and worthy to move forward.

All it took was putting aside the mental barrier and taking one step forward.

Maybe like Buddy in the video below we’ve been hurt before trying to go through the door. Perhaps all we need is a bit of encouragement and a reward on the other side. Encourage yourself and your loved ones to walk through. Reward yourself when you do!