As you go the way of life you will see a great chasm.
Jump. It is not as wide as you think.
– Native American Proverb
It’s not as wide or as deep as you think. But, when you are looking out and over the edge, it can seem like forever. It requires a level of faith to get across, but it is far from impossible. In fact, once you jump, you look back and realize how truly easy it was.
For me the fear of taking the jump (i.e. making seemingly difficult and challenging changes in my life) was the primary reason for not taking the pivotal step. In fact, I can think of a number of times in my life when I got to the edge, then turned around and walked away. I felt guilt for years. That’s history and doesn’t really matter anymore as I can choose something different now.
The last big chasm I jumped was leaving my relatively safe and comfortable job with a large international company. I made good money, had great benefits and numerous other perks that came with the position. But, it had become less of what I wanted to do with my life. So, with every cell in my body agreeing, I made the choice to leave. I had no doubt that it was the right thing to do.
Where the faith came in was that I didn’t have, at the time, any idea what I would be doing to make money. That last time I did that was a disaster and the memory of that was still fresh in my mind. But the difference is that while the previous adventure was wrought with fear, anxiety and trepidation, this time was a highly relaxing and calm event. I figured that I was on the right track.
Five and 1/2 months later, I’m a different person. I did things that I had always wanted to do, which was anything that struck my fancy at the moment. Everything has worked out. I start a new consulting gig in one week. No money worries.
I do believe that I’ve been preparing for years for a jump of this kind. I started with smaller things just to get the hang of it. When it feels right, then it feels right. Last time felt like I had to leave, this time felt like it was the next logical step in the evolution of Michael. Big difference.
Michael