Taking the Leap
There’s a moment.... The moment when you’re standing right at the edge of the precipice with your feet part way over the edge... you’re not frozen but you’re held motionless by the decision you have to make. You’re... static, weighed down by all the threads of “what ifs” and “maybes” and “shoulds”, your imagination running wild with disaster scenarios (because we almost never consider the positive lessons, takeaways or possibilities).
Sometimes we step back and wait for another day. Sometimes we walk – or sprint – away. I’ve done all three and made good use of variations on them as well.
This time, though, when I decided to part ways with my work world for the last 15+ years, I realized that it wasn’t about the “what ifs” or “maybes” or “shoulds”.
It wasn’t the imaginary disaster scenarios that held me in place- it was the act of taking the leap.
Specifically, that it would be MY VOLUNTARY act to take the leap – my decision and my act alone. There was nothing and no one forcing me or even giving me that illusion so I could more “safely” make the decision. If I decided to jump into the unknown, it would be fully my decision. I had to say the words that would set things in motion.
I don’t know what to tell you other than that I knew I had to do it. If I didn’t jump, I’d always wonder about what could have been and who I could have grown into. I’d regret not trying, not exploring beyond the boundaries I’d unknowingly set for myself to see what experiences and lessons life might have to offer me.
I had to leap. And I know now that I had to do it so that I could do it again when the time comes and it will come. Each time I face down the unknown and jump – whether big or small; no matter how many times I change my mind, turn back, go in circles – fear loses more of its grip on me. Each time I jump, my life expands: the decision to act unlocking a hidden door that leads to new paths and worlds I never imagined.
Regardless of whether this works or not, whether my coaching business succeeds or not, I have no regrets and that is incredibly important to me. I want to live as full a life as I can and that means braving the disappointments, failures and heartbreaks in order to also experience the adventure, love, joy and growth that life extends to us.
I have no idea what life has in store for me. But I know that I don’t want to be the one putting limitations on it.