As we make our New Year’s resolutions, we generally sort out the behaviors which don’t serve us any longer, and then we affirm to let them go, never to do them again. Am I right so far?

This year I repeated this plan once more, but I put my emphasis on the old, outdated spiritual and emotional attributes that weren’t appropriate for me anymore rather than material things I wanted to shed. I have known for a long time that fear is the main block on forward progress and higher consciousness, so the number one thing on my “release list” was letting go of all fear.

Just like what happens when a demolition crew takes down a building—if the foundation is destroyed, the entire edifice comes toppling down. So if fear has been a major component in the foundation of one’s reality, if it is removed, guess what happens? It can turn a peaceful life into a train wreck! My back began to hurt, my legs ached, my knees refused to bend, and unexpected large bills cropped up to sabotage my savings account!

What’s the lesson here? When a structure is repaired, first the foundation must be shored up before removing big pieces to replace them. How can this be accomplished? First, ask your Angels of the Highest Light to remove your negativity and fear a little at a time—by the teaspoon if necessary! It is very tempting to ask that it be taken away all at once, but doing that risks turning your reality upside down. More is not always better. Next, fill in the gaps with new, more positive behaviors.

One example of fear in my life was the manifestation of criticism, of others and myself. When I brought this recurring pattern up for clearing, I noticed that it got worse as I tried to stop it. I opted to replace this negative behavior with a compliment every time I was tempted to snipe at someone else or think less of myself. In the cases where I just couldn’t come up with something nice to say, I would just express gratitude.

Before I knew it, I was back on track and moving forward toward my goals—easily, peacefully and harmoniously!