We often avoid pursuing our passions out of fear of failure, but the key is to start where we are, embrace the journey, and trust that simply being present is enough for growth and transformation.
. . .
I wonder…
How many of us never truly take the chance to go for it — to pursue our passion (which, of course, can change) — because we’re afraid of failing?
Perhaps it’s because failing at the one thing (since we’ve reduced it to just one thing) we’ve always desperately wanted to be or do presents a conundrum: If we fail, then what?
Under these conditions, a part of us keeps it just out of reach, and our repetitive thoughts and habitual actions affirm it:
- Oh, when I feel prepared… Must prepare, prepare, prepare.
- Oh, when I can afford it… Must buy lottery tickets…
- Oh, I can’t make any money from it, so I’ll have to make it a side hustle… Just get a normal job…
- Oh, I can’t make a good living from it, so who would want to date, love, or marry me? I’m not worthy…
- Oh, I tried (a little) here and there over the years, but nobody seems to care…
- Oh, when I can find the time… I despise my job because it drains all my energy and motivation. Everyone I work with is an idiot.
- Oh, I wish I could… then I would finally… be… happy.
And so on.
We can be quite clever in our clamoring, but it’s often much ado about nothing.
Just begin. Where you are, who you are, and what you have to work with is perfect — it could be no other way. It will change. Teachers will appear, and lessons will materialize. Opportunities will arise. Setbacks will happen. Life will sometimes suck. Along the way, you may discover something more aligned with your heart. You may inspire others with your courage, your experiences, your falls, and your successes. You might give up, feel exhausted, bored, frustrated, disoriented, or depressed.
All that proves is that you’re alive.
Keep going. Move through it. Flow with it. And remember: you are not your thoughts or your feelings.
You are here, now. That matters. There are universal laws and infinitesimal details at work to ensure you exist exactly as you are. Simply being is enough.
Remember the adventure of it all. Dive in.
Love your life
P.S. To explore more on this topic, I recommend an article by Jordan Ring called What Am I Doing With My Life?