Feel the Fear... and Do It Anyway

What is it that keeps us stuck?

We can be stuck in jobs that aren't challenging or fulfilling; relationships that are energy-draining and ulcerous. We get stuck in bodies that carry too much weight and are unwell. Even when we KNOW we are stuck and we fantasize about what it might feel like to break away; getting UNstuck can seem overwhelming, larger than life and totally terrifying.

"We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run down." - Aneurin Bevan

When being stuck can be SOOO painful, why do we stay locked in seemingly destined to spend our lives unfulfilled, energy-drained and unwell?

Because it's EASIER.

It's easier to trudge along day to day doing the 'same-same-Johnson', than it is to learn something new and risk (fill in the blank: disappointment, failure, change, hard work).
It's easier to go with the flow than it is to swim upstream.
It's easier to satisfy ourselves with instant gratification, than to persist, work and wait for the results.

"I run on the road, long before I dance under the lights." - Muhammad Ali

I am now 20 workdays away from finishing my current employment contract and it has been a good one. Two years of 'knowing, loving and serving' beautiful children, two terrific bosses, 12 lovely friends and colleagues and a growing community, an extended family. Add on to that, decent pay, health benefits and 8-10 weeks holidays over the course of a year...

WHAT AM I THINKING? I have a great job - security - laughter - paid professional development - praise - belonging - stability... (this list goes on and on and on). WHAT KIND OF LUNATIC GIVES UP ALL THOSE THINGS FOR THE UNKNOWN and THE UNFAMILIAR?

Well... me.

"I don't know anybody's road who's been paved perfectly for them, there are no manuals, you don't know what life has in store for you." - Drew Barrymore

There is a quality inherent in me that won't let me stay stuck. Even though I love where I am now and love where I've been in this 'making of me', I am ready to push harder and go farther.

I'm nervous. Scared. Unsure. Worried. I'm questioning. Concerned. Somedays I am confused. Distrustful of my decisions. Terrified.

But MOST of the time I am energized, excited, challenged, growing and happy. I feel the fear and do it anyway. For me, that's key. I know it's not comfortable and I know there are no guarantees... for anything. So I make the fear an ally. I welcome it along for the ride and I get comfortable with the fact that even though I know I'm scared, it isn't enough to stop me.

And hell, if I fall flat on my face and am dirtpoor, penniless and am a laughing stock... I'll go get another job.

I have been a waitress before... I'll do whatever it takes.

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." - Buddha