I’ve had such a hard time writing these last few days because I’ve been spending a lot of time walking back and forth (figuratively) on the ledge of a cliff.  Debating with myself all along about what I was doing, whether I was crazy, how was I going to jump, what was my landing going to look like — and generally letting fear get in my way.  Yesterday, I took a leap of faith and jumped off the cliff (was it my own self imposed cliff?).  I’m still here to write about it.  In fact, I feel amazing!

As many of you know this is my second jump in the last 10 months (and, I have one more in October – but we can talk about that later!).  The first one I’d contemplated for years.  I’d made many attempts to jump back then, but I never could because my negative self-talk (and a negative environment) overwhelmed me.  I used to tell myself that I wasn’t “good enough” to jump.  That it was “safer” to stay with the unhealthy known than to try the healthy unknown.  As expected, I’m now looking back and asking myself – “What the f*&^ took you so long?”  

This time, instead of waiting years and listening to my same negative self-talk, I began to realize that the only thing standing in the way of me — was me.  

We prevent our own growth and change.

When I first thought about the idea of taking a leap of faith, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the use of the word “faith.”  How would that fit with my spiritual views?  Did I have to be “religious” to use the word?  

After much thought, I realized that faith is just a belief without evidence.  I decided it was having trust and confidence in myself.  To believe that I have the ability to handle and survive and thrive with any life change.  Let’s be honest: no matter what changes we’re facing –  it can be terrifying.

Yet, I want to take chances. Because while its scary to leave what’s safe, it’s even more frightening to contemplate a life unfulfilled.  And at the end, we have two life lists: All the things we actually did and all the things we wish happened.

I’m glad I jumped yesterday.  I’ve got a long road ahead of me and it too will be filled with change, hard work and uncertainty.  But it will also be filled with the lovely feeling that I can make changes in my life and still survive (and thrive!).

If you’re thinking about a change in some area of your life (and you should), no matter how big or small, remember that we (really our fears) are the biggest obstacle to our own change.  And that cliff you are peering over … it’s only that big when you’re looking down!

Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours. Swedish Proverb

Have an amazing day!