Can we talk today about getting out of your own way and taking the leap already – or at least the first few steps – towards whatever it is that you want? I can’t begin to tell you how many friends and loved ones I see stuck in a rut or hear talking about (sigh) the way they want things to be: “In a perfect world, x would happen.” OR “I really need to lose 40 pounds, but it’s too expensive to eat healthy.” OR “I have to make a million and get everything in my life perfectly perfect first before I do anything.” OR “(Sigh), I always wanted to be a (fill in the blank), but it’s too late in life to make a career change now.” OR “That sounds great! But I gotta wait until the feeling of being 100% ready hits me like a ton of bricks.” First comes the dream, then comes the slew of self-inflicted road blocks and excuses. I believe it’s called “getting in your own way,” and I could tell you ALLLLL about it because I did it for YEARS.
Something Bud used to say to me always rings true: “Wish in one hand and sh*t in the other, and see which one comes true first.” And he’s right. He usually was. I’ll agree that there’s something to be said for ample preparation… so then make a plan. And maybe that plan starts with writing down your road blocks, and then figuring out how to remove each of them. Cuz there’s also something to be said for getting out there and j-u-s-t d-o-i-n-g i-t. The things and the people who light your soul on fire? Hang onto those. Chase after those. Make a life around those. Because otherwise, aren’t you just kind of existing? Life is too short. I’m not that old or that wise, but I’m old enough to have seen my fair share of loved ones get taken away justlikethat, and I’m old enough to know what regret looks like. And I’ve seen enough to know that life is far too short to let your wonderful, flowery words and plans be enough, and it’s far too short to spend talking yourself in circles forever… then wake up and be 75 and wonder where your life went, and why you didn’t really live it the way you wanted to. Actions are better. Put that *#&$ in motion. Do it now. I’m not saying jump off the back of the boat without your life vest. I’m saying, strap your effing life vest on and then GO.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail??
…………………………………….(go do it!!)
xoxoxoxoxoxox,
This is a great post, Steph. And frankly your big leap is a huge inspiration to me!
Aw, thanks Jami!! Big hugs & long-distance hi-5’s to you girl!! xo, Steph
Ditto. Your recent life path has inspired me as well.
Aw thanks JB 🙂 xoxo
Lovely post, Steph 🙂 Wise words!!
Dot, is that you?? 🙂 Thanks girl!!
Your timing is uncanny. Our daughter is in her first week of college classes in your hometown–so far, so good, she loves it there. Here I am looking at some of the projects and dreams that went to the back burner 19 years ago when she was a newborn, and hoping that at age 57 I can fight that “settle and be set in your ways” mentality I see in so many of my peers. Thanks for the kick in the pants from Bud–isn’t it amazing how those who have gone on before us still teach us things from the great beyond? 🙂
MISSY! Thank you so much for your sweet and poignant words, and thank you for letting us know it resonated. It means a lot to us! 🙂 And gurl – now’s your time!! xoxo
I’ve always believed- leap and the net will follow. LOVE THIS.
Big hugs to you darlin!
My dad said it long before Nike coined it: “Just. Do. It.”
ahhh love love love this girl. and so needed to hear it. thanks or the cheer.
also, as if we needed a reminder, bud was a wise man. hugs to him.
Bud WAS!! Thank you for saying so 🙂 Love you honey
YES!!! All of this is so true. Great post Steph xxoo
“The things and the people who light your soul on fire? Hang onto those. Chase after those. Make a life around those.” <—–Couldn't agree more.
Right??!!!