One of my favorite sayings goes, “The harder I work, the luckier I seem to get.”
I’ve thought of it often as I embark on a totally new, risky, amazing phase of my life: quitting my stable, full-time job, selling all of my stuff, and hitting the road to pursue creative passion projects.
Over the past fifteen years, I’ve had a friend or two suggest that the opportunities I’ve gotten were available to me only because of my age, location or looks. While I undoubtedly experience white privilege and humbly acknowledge my staggering good looks fortune in being born to a nice, middle class family in New Jersey, I’m always saddened when people see it this way.
Following my heart has taken everything I have, and even some things I don’t have – yet. Getting to the pot of gold at the end of the dream rainbow is sweaty, scary and sometimes bittersweet business. So scary, in fact, that the only way to calm my [project manager] nerves is to discuss it in –oh my god I’m so excited– graphical format.
Getting a divorce.
Going to therapy. For two and a half years.
Going back to (and finishing) grad school.
Getting dumped. …Twice.
Experiencing an earth-shaking epiphany and changing my entire lifestyle [to veganism].
A lot of sweating. So much sweating. Too much, really.
Setting boundaries and having difficult conversations with people I love.
Asking for help (accountability partners).
Letting go of friendships that emptied my tank so I could cultivate ones that make my spirit soar.
Exploring all things woo-woo without caring what others thought.
Telling someone how I really felt about them. …And having them not return the feeling.
Believing I was worthy, and already had, all of the joy and love I’d always wanted.
Quitting my stable, cushy job to pursue creative passions.
Moving to a 350 square foot apartment.
Leaving said apartment and getting rid of [nearly] all my possessions.
Slashing my spending by 80%.
Consistently saying yes to things that made me want to hide in a corner – like meeting new people.
Stopping to question Every. Single. Negative thought and asking, “Is this true or is this a story?”
Letting go of the belief that anyone else’s opinion of me has anything to do with me.
As you can see, NONE of these things was easy, or pleasant, or preceded by 100% assuredness. There will never be a “right” time to do something that scares you. But the universe doesn’t care how old or young you are, how over or under qualified. When it sees someone taking risks to follow their heart’s calling, it will take note, and oftentimes instantaneously, step in and give you whatever you need – even when you’re not sure what that is.
So, whaddya say? Are you ready to do what it takes in order to achieve your dreams, even if that includes the “impossible”? Your heart is a badass and (s)he just might require that of you.
(Pssst…you know I can’t resist linking to my latest video!)
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What has following your heart looked like for you? (…Does anyone want to hide under this blanket with me? I brought Wheat Thins and Chao cheese.)
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Go Jules Go 