Today is a Choice Point

June 30, 2015

Life is too short to waste being afraid, and far too fragile to leave room for wonder.

When we’re at the end of the line and there’s nothing left to do but wait for our last breath, we’re not going to fondly remember the moments where we held back and played it safe. We’re not going to be glad we never spoke our truth when it mattered most, or that we never told the people we cared for deeply how we truly felt. We’re not going to be glad that we did what we thought we “should” rather than following our hearts. Rather than taking risks, putting it all on the line, and living life full out.

No, we’re going to regret the words we never spoke and the ways we ignored our heart’s true callings. We’re going to wish we were braver and bolder, and that we showed up as fully as we could have. We’re going to want to go back and write a different story, one that’s colored with love and passion and purpose. We’re going to wonder what we were really afraid of, and how things could have been different and more fulfilling.

Most of us know this, yet we don’t really take it to heart, do we?

We hear the words, but they don’t register on a soul level. Or maybe they do, but it’s too uncomfortable for us to really let sink in, so we shake it off and pretend like we’re really honoring ourselves in the moment. That we’re doing the “right” thing, or that not everyone can follow their heart.

Yes, there are bills to pay and people we’re accountable to. There are things to take care of in the day to day of life that simply can’t be pushed aside. But there are also the things that are more important, and yet somehow we justify de-prioritizing them… because we’re scared or uncomfortable or just unsure of how to take action. Because we think there are more important things to focus on first.

But the truth is, life is too short to waste being afraid, and far too fragile to leave room for wonder.

Ever since I declared I wanted to be braver and bolder with this one life of mine, I’ve been presented with opportunity after opportunity to live up to this commitment for myself. Choice points between going after what I really want in this life and playing it safe. Between making assumptions that leave room for wonder, and being courageous enough to ask the hard questions and have the uncomfortable conversations.

I’ve put my heart on the line in order to bring closure to situations that were slow leaks of energy and focus. I’ve come face to face with old patterns and ways of hiding out so that I can step into more depth and connection. I’ve been honest about what’s not working for me so that I can invite in more of what does. I’ve challenged myself to create on a level I never have before, so I can step further into the work I’m here to do.

I’ve stopped allowed fear and discomfort dictate the trajectory of my life. Instead, I’ve chosen to lean into the uncomfortable, raw, hard spaces of life, love, and work so that I can truly say I lived my life as fully as possible when that last breath comes. So that I can be proud of the things I was brave enough to go after, and left with absolutely zero wonder and regret.

There are always reasons why now isn’t the right time, or why we should continue doing what we’ve always done. Our mind’s can justify anything in any given direction, especially when it means keeping us “safe” (aka stuck).

So the question is, are you willing to settle for a life that’s guided by fear and leaves space for wonder and regret? Are you willing to stay stuck because getting uncomfortable seems too much to bear? Are you willing to spend your whole life wondering what could have been, simply because it was easier to stick with what you’re already doing?

Or are you willing to go after what your heart really desires and start taking the steps towards building a life or business or relationship that makes you feel alive? Are you willing to lay it all on the line so that someone can see and love you fully? Are you willing to risk rejection and failure to bring your dreams to life, to do the work you’re here to do?

This is a choice point. This message right here.

A big one… just like all the others.

You can choose to let this be another message where you nod your head (possibly with a little oomph even) in agreement, only to then continue on with a life or business or relationship that doesn’t light you up… because it’s easier, or it’s not good timing, or you “should” be doing whatever it is you’re doing. Or you can choose to lean into the uncomfortable and make a change.

And here’s the thing about change, it doesn’t have to be hugely disruptive or hard. It doesn’t mean totally uprooting yourself from everything and everyone you know, or walking out of the job that pays your bills. It means making a choice and taking a single step in a new direction. Maybe that step is big, or maybe it’s as tiny and powerful as admitting you’re not happy. But you have to take that step if you want to create changes. That first, tiny step… and today is a choice point.

So, I’ll say it again: This message right here, it’s a choice point.

Will you continue on letting fear dictate the trajectory of your life, or are you willing to do everything you can to eliminate wonder and regret? To ensure that when that last breath comes, you feel proud that you lived bravely and boldly and went after all that you wanted, success or failure?

It’s up to you, but I would nudge you to choose the latter… life is better when we make the choice to lean into fear and discomfort and eliminate wonder and regret. It’s better when we choose to be brave and bold. Sometimes it’s harder and more challenging, but it’s always worth it. Always.