Just Begin...
Updated: Aug 21, 2019
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
Oftentimes we hesitate to take that next step in life because we don't feel ready. We don't want to fail and we don't want to look like fools. I am going to let you in on a little secret I learned from practice and studying the habits of highly successful people. Successful people start before they feel ready. They figure out what small steps to take to reach their oftentimes outlandish goals. But the difference between the ones who make it and the ones who don't is simply the initiative to get out there and try. To value failures and mistakes as lessons and to build the confidence and wisdom from actually living it. This is the most progressive approach.
Believe me, when I started my own business I did not feel ready. When I took my first steps on the Pacific Crest Trail I had no idea what I was actually in for. All the planning, research and training are critical steps to analyze your options, but that can only take you so far. At some point you just have to take a leap of faith. You can! You have what it takes and you are good enough. Just repeating that mantra is extremely beneficial. Whatever you want to do it starts with getting out of your comfort zone. Don't wait until you feel ready to take the leap, take the leap and you will grow into the person you are trying to become. It is challenging but it is simple and it often helps to set your ego aside.
The trail was something I questioned the possibility of. But I am a strong believer that anything is possible. There were many times I had failed on my timelines, pushed myself to the breaking point and downright cried just in the planning stages. I saw my window of opportunity dwindling so I picked up the pace. I felt like I was being sucked into a wormhole it was now or never, jump or miss your shot. Go big or go home. I jumped. Life is going to throw ups and downs at you anyway. Might as well be the creator of the demise and rise. You have to breakdown to rebuild just like muscles and there’s beauty in the breakdown.
I draw inspiration from nature and animals. Before I started the trail, I kept having dreams of mountain lions. So I did a little symbology research and found some amazing inspiration.
Mountain Lion Inspiration & Symbology
The appearance of the mountain lion us a sign you have come into your own power.
It is time for you to take charge of the situation and be strong.
Leap into all opportunities.
Use the power of your intentions and be CLEAR about where you are going.
Power and Balance go hand in hand.
Know when gentleness is needed and when asserting your energy will bring you to your goal.
Use leadership qualities without ego.
Learn and practice speaking in the positive rather than the negative. Use words wisely. Words are power. Practice what you preach. Visualize.
So with that, I highly encourage you to do that thing that you've been putting off. Everyone deserves the chance to do what makes their heart and soul come alive, and the world needs more people who have come alive. Don't wait until your thoughts and feelings change. Take that step, get your hands dirty, put in the work, don't give up, and watch how quickly your thoughts and feelings begin to change in the direction of your true spirit.
Cheers friends!
Don't forget, if you would like to contribute to my personal fundraiser for Protect Our Winters to offset the cost of global warming. Take a stand now and support POW by visiting their website, or following their initiatives on Facebook. If you would like to donate, Great!! Here's the link, https://classy.org/fundraiser/1276834 my goal is to raise $1 for every mile I hike on the PCT, a total of 2,660 miles. Thank you for rising up for the world and your future.