Have you ever wandered on purpose? That’s what I did today. 

It was a tropical day, and we went out to swim in the ocean. While I floated in the water, looking up at the sky, I saw an unbelievably beautiful scene unfolding before my eyes. I gazed at the night sky filled with stars twinkling in the sky. It looked so magical as though it’d grant me any wish. 

Then it suddenly hit me. From time to time, it’s actually lovely to sail off without a map. I had a plan all my adult life—a road map of where I wanted my life to go. 

I wasn’t happy where I was in life many years ago, and I knew there was so much more in store for me. This may or may not sound familiar to you. 

I would talk about quitting my job, what I wanted to do, where I wanted to move, and discuss the dreams brewing in my head without taking any real action. 

The decision to quit my high-paying 9 to 5 wasn’t an easy one. Crippled with indecision, I asked my mom for advice. “Instead of thinking you are stuck in your job, realize that your living is assured thanks to your job,” was her response. 

Still, it bothered me that I was working in a job that I hated. My time wasn’t mine after all. It felt so wrong. I spent so long in indecision. Should I do it? Maybe a few more months. The longer I remained unsure, the less confident I felt. 

The hard choices – what we fear the most doing, asking, saying – are very often exactly what we need to do. So, I decided to work up my courage and start my own business- this very blog.

 Being your boss is not all as glamorous as it sounds. The path is steep and rough. Trying to be successful at your business feels like a strong winter wind. But I tell myself that it will feel like a light summer breeze through hard work, consistency, and perseverance one day. Despite all the struggles every day, I am grateful for my choice.  

We humans are very good at considering what might go wrong if we try something new. Most often, what we fail to consider is the brutal cost of not changing anything. The most difficult step ever is the first step. It comes with doubts, uncertainties, and all sorts of fears. 

Ask yourself: If I avoid this action or decision and actions and decisions like it, what might my life look like in six weeks, months, and years? What do you see? 

When I put this exercise into practice a few years ago, I was terrified of the picture I saw. It was then I realized that if you want momentum, you’ll have to create it yourself, right now, by getting up and getting started because the cost of inaction is more terrifying than the failure itself. 

 There’s always room to learn, to embark on an adventurous journey of self-discovery. To constantly shake up your routine, to let go of your fears and inhibitions. To invite more passion, creativity, and yumminess into your life. 

This is your sign of waking up and taking that first step towards your dreams. Do something, even if it’s small, all while remembering this simple yet powerful quote from Seneca, “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.”

xx

Yachna

(Featured Image by Lilly)

P.S. Six powerful ways to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.