This is hard...

Wow, this is hard. After 2 1/2 years of talking about starting a new career, I finally followed my heart and took action in the spring of '08. This is where everything falls into place...right? This is where all the stars align in my favor...right? Yeah, whatever. Apparently, the road less traveled is not easier...who knew? I recently heard that 82% of America is unconscious--simply going through the motions. Ahh, to be one of the lucky ones.

I spent the first 40 years of my life doing just that; working hard on whatever career life tossed in front of me. I didn't think about much. I didn't think about what I really wanted. I certainly didn't think much about what other people wanted. It was all about making sure I had enough money to take care of me and then from there, "checking out" in one form or the other. Those were the good ole' days...weren't they?

The last four years have been different. They've been years of asking the big questions like, "What is my life all about?" and "What was I put on this planet for?" and wacky thoughts of "How can I be of service to others?". They've been years about not simply tolerating the status quo. They've been about growth and learning. Sure, it all sounds great and profound...but there's a price.

Once you open Pandora's Box, there ain't no closing it, friends. You are about to embark upon a journey of many ups and downs...of many failures because of the new risks you're taking...of many moments alone questioning yourself and envying those aforementioned lucky ones.

HOWEVER, this is where the adventure begins. When you choose to ask the tough questions and begin the practice of entering the unknown, I have found that this is where it starts. For this new journey of not knowing and continuing anyway...this is where the heart comes alive...this is where the juices start to flow...this is where you start becoming you--the you that you were born to be and have yearned to be for years!

If you're already on the journey, whatever you do, DON'T STOP! If you're thinking about starting...JUMP IN! I know, I know....it sucks! It's hard! It's much easier the old way! But trust me, it's not...it just seems that way. It's a lie from that old bad voice in our head that has always led us down the wrong path and doesn't want us to be truly happy. If you think that stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things is hard...try waking up 20 years from now and bathing in a tubful of regrets--reflecting on all of the things you thought about doing or wanted to try, but you didn't....NOW, that sounds hard!

Rather, listen to your heart...in fact, go deeper yet...listen to your soul. The answers you're looking for are there waiting, in fact, they've always been there. Keep asking the tough questions. Keep taking action toward what it is that speaks to your core. Commit to the journey and watch YOUR life unfold.

As Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) said in The Shawshank Redemption, "Get busy living or get busy dying".