Start Here.
12/12/2024
Changing your thoughts, opening your heart, starting a new business, letting something go, letting something in, or speaking up for yourself—all of that can feel daunting, almost impossible, at first glance. But what if you embrace where you are and start there, realizing it's a place of freedom, not limitation? This is your starting point, your launchpad to a new beginning.
Waiting for perfection or when "the time is right" hinders new beginnings.
When you know in your heart you are ready to begin anything new, and you start finding reasons to stall, wait, or write off the idea entirely, you have an opportunity to rewrite an old story.
What if, instead of thinking of the reasons "why not," we considered the reasons WHY? If you find yourself thinking about something you want to do and talking yourself out of it in the same breath, stop and ask yourself a few questions:
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Why do I want to do this?
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What's the total (emotional, physical, financial) cost of doing this?
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What's the total (emotional, physical, financial) cost of not doing this?
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What am I afraid will happen if I do this?
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What will happen if I don't do this?
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What does it look like to start from where I am now?
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Can I start smaller and then grow?
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Is this idea coming from my heart or my ego?
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Will doing this bring me joy?
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Will doing this help others?
These questions may reveal an old story or thought that might discredit your experience and value. When I was a little girl, I always asked my mom to invite people for dinner. My mom would say “when we get matching silverware” or “when we have better plates.” Her concern was being judged. My mom's thoughts and opinions became part of my story.
Much later in life, I rewrote that story for myself. I learned that people crave community. They want to be seen and cared for. People don't care about the accessories; they care about how they feel around you.
Consider this: If we all started 'the thing’ we're afraid to start, what positive shift could we have in our communities? Would folks feel engaged, accepted, and valued? Are we doing a disservice to others and ourselves by not sharing what we can now?
Here's the thing: No one has it all down! Perfection is not even a thing! We grow and evolve with each experience. We all have unique things to offer one another, and we're at different points on the path. Ultimately, we want community, play, acceptance, and understanding, so let's give that to ourselves first! Then, we can invite others to join in the fun.