Have you ever come to a time or point in your life where you are ready to change directions or try something new and exciting, maybe something totally random and different?? We find ourselves at the edge of a gap between where we are and getting to that next level. We know we want to be on the other side and can see and smell the other side. We sit and stare, contemplating taking that leap of faith. Even though the distance between our ledge and the ledge of where we want to be is not beyond our capabilities, we don’t jump, why because of fear or discomfort! We could if we commit ourselves to jump from one side to the other without falling into the gap. Yet, we stand debating on the leap… Isn’t this why we tend to stay in our comfort zone and avoid that leap?!
At those times, instead of taking that leap of faith, we stop and possibly back away from the ledge. We let our fear and doubt settle in. We let the comfort of what we know dominate over what could be and what we wish for truly in our hearts. As we back up we fall into our old circumstances and behavior. Even though we have worked hard to get away from those circumstances and or behavior, it is what we know and what we are comfortable with. We are afraid of failing, afraid of taking a fall…
You may see the backing up from the ledge as failure to leap but in reality, this is how we create success. Backing up allows us to confirm where we want to go and what is needed to truly get to the other side. In reality, allowing us to back up for a moment, allows us to gain the momentum and running start to take the giant leap of faith. Don’t see your “backing up” as a failed attempt but rather a conscious attempt. So there is no failure, only backing up to take a running start, because failure, is what is needed to create success. Without failure there is no success and how would you know success if you never had trials and tribulations!
So don’t be afraid of backing up or of failure! There is no such thing as failing without gaining something from it. Failure is part of success and without it, what is success?? If you always succeeded, how would you know you were succeeding? When you back up from the ledge, back up with awareness. Take a few steps to re- evaluate but don’t step too far back so that when you do make your leap your running start is more of a marathon start! If you do, once you take that leap, you will be worn out before you reach the ledge and you will stay stuck until you regain your energy. This is where you can easily fall into a rut, having to run, re gain energy, re charge your batteries and then go for that leap again. You can see how taking too many steps backwards can keep you from taking that leap of faith. You have to recognize that you are backing up, for a moment, and you have to stop and commit to moving forward with your life.
Once you take that run towards the edge, Fear or Doubt can take over and stop you from leaping OR if you commit and take that leap of faith you will make to the other side and look back wondering what all the hype was about.
The more you fear the gap the bigger the gap becomes in your mind. That is just your perception, the gap never changes in size. Crossing the gap, if you commit, you can always make it, but your fear controls how you see it.
Commit today to moving forward. Believe in yourself and in the life you want to create. The life you want is on the other side of the gap. Are you going to jump or stay where you are? Take a leap of faith and break free from whatever may be restricting you. It is in those moments when you leap that you are truly free and growth takes place. You will land safely, I promise! It is that moment that you truly leave the past behind as your mind becomes clear of everything that was holding you back. It is in those moments that you become grow, find purpose and discover more about who you are and what you are all about.
Your purpose is always to move forward in life. Your purpose is not to avoid the leap by the comfort and safety of our routines. Your purpose is moving forward creating more, living more, feeling more and being alive. You have to have faith, believe and take that leap. You WILL land on the other side and leave the past behind. Don’t fear falling back or “failing”, remember that small step back is just preparing you for your running start to what is waiting for you on the other side. You’ve gotta have faith!
