Journeys Begin With a Single Step

It seems that I’ve spent my entire life wishing I was somewhere else, that I was on a journey to somewhere exotic and foreign. While I’ve traveled a bit and to incredible places, I’ve always come home to a seemingly ordinary life. I’ve read quotes recently that say something to the effect ‘create the life you don’t have to get away from’ and now I’m thinking:

Journeys aren’t all about going somewhere else.

However, journeys are about change.

“The journey of 1000 miles begin with one step.” Lao Tzu

Each of us is on a journey. Some are longer and some are shorter than others but they all have one thing in common: each one begins with that single step. The journey to a life you don’t have to get away from begins the same way.

I’ve also discovered that it is always something that starts that journey. A catalyst, if you will. Sometimes this beginning is simply the end of something else. Other times life leaves you no choice but to begin that journey again. When I am working with clients I sometimes call this ‘the full belly syndrome’.

I’m sure we’ve all been at a place when we’ve had enough. When life simply isn’t working and you need to find a different journey. It takes courage to change midstream, for us to overcome our fears for where the journey may take us. It takes courage to walk away from relationships that don’t work or a job that you hate. We want to know where things will go but life seldom gives us guarantees.

It’s all up to you.

You don’t have to know where you are going to take that first step. That step is the hardest one to take simply because it requires faith in yourself.

You always have a choice because nothing happens until you begin to move. It is much easier to keep moving than to start moving. It is not impossible.

Speed is irrelevant on your journey. Sometimes things move fast and sometimes things move slow but since it is your journey, it is generally timely. Besides, you can’t compare your journey to another person’s. You have no idea what has brought them to this place.

Every journey has a rest stop and that is okay. Sometimes we need to take a breather to gather the strength for the next leg of our journey. Rest can be a good thing.

Sometimes I feel as if I am always looking for the next big thing but I am beginning to realize that none of the side trips I take on my journey are wasted. Everything I do, see, or experience becomes part of my journey.

Beginning a new journey is exhilarating and, at times, downright scary.

Take a deep breath and make that first step.

I dare you!