Now or Never: Overcoming the Fear of Making the First Step

As the first of many posts, I'd like to keep it real with myself and with everyone reading. Although I’ve been a writer for over 10 years, I’ve found it extremely challenging to write and share personal pieces and projects of mine. It’s taken a lot of self-talk and inner deliberation to get me to type my very first post and ultimately launch this blog.

There’s the whole vulnerability piece attached to opening up and exposing one’s thoughts, emotions and intimate experiences, regardless of the nature of the content. And truth is, that’s natural. I don't know how to be anything other than human. I’m faced with fears, uncertainties, and doubts, but those are the very things that make me the individual that I am, in the same way that your experiences have shaped your character and influenced your choices.

For me, the simple, yet not so simple step over this hurdle was getting out of my head, getting in front of my laptop, and just listening to what my heart had to say. I let too many days, weeks, months and years go by being caught up in my thoughts. I let my mind talk me out of doing what I felt in my spirit.

So, here I am…confronted with:

“Now or never.”

I couldn’t think of a title more fitting to accompany the launch of this blog. It's somewhat a way of me speaking to myself. “If not now, then when?”

It took me going against doubt, fear, and uncertainty to just write. I wasn’t content with the fact that I couldn’t think of a good enough answer as to why I wasn’t doing what I envisioned myself doing.

I’m not sure if you can relate or not, but for those who can, genuinely ask yourself: “What’s holding me back from starting that business I’ve dreamed of starting? What’s keeping me from reaching out to that friend I haven’t spoken to in years? What barrier’s are preventing me from fulfilling my purpose?”

If you’re unsure of where to find the answers, start with YOU. It’s simple to say, but really get to know yourself. Ask the kinds of questions that you’d normally avoid answering.

I’m no expert. I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t think anyone ever will. So, I'm right here with you. However, as I approach my thirties, I’m discovering that it’s never too late to take a turn in life for the better. As long as the time in between your starting and ending point doesn’t lead to missed dreams, lost hope, or unmet aspirations, there’s always the possibility for you to move forward and grow.

Until the next post, here’s a brief, yet powerful message by motivational speaker Les Brown: The Echoes of a Dream