nine words.
that inject meaning and inspiration into my very bones.
that challenge the most stubborn part of my resistance.
that push me over the precipice and invite me to wildly live.
“life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
~anais nin
these are the words that i need.
the words that i turn to again and again.
this favoritest-of-quotes hangs on my wall in its simple black frame.
when i’m feeling unsure or fearful about my next move,
i whisper it to myself.
over and over if necessary.
in less than a year, a new life awaits me in italy.
full of the unexpected, the unforeseen, the unknown.
but also the unbelievable.
i’m back in the states.
and my cozy and familiar lifestyle has now been stamped temporary.
another shift to my outlook.
more meaning imbued in each day.
nothing taken for granted.
it’s not hard though.
because, even though they’re the same, things feel new.
the sensation is interesting and delicious,
one i’ve been unable to summon up without a clear purpose.
my upcoming adventure excites me beyond reason.
but fears and doubts still fight for king-of-the-mountain status in my brain.
nevertheless, somewhere deep inside me,
“i know i was meant to do this” overrides “what the hell am i doing?” every time.
i go on and on and on and on about continuously challenging ourselves.
about pushing our limits, striving and risking and chancing and daring.
i’m more credible when i do the same.
this thing i’m doing? it’s real.
it’s big and scary and crazy and gutsy.
and it will be amazing.
it will be difficult.
it will be lonesome.
it will be demanding.
it will be uncomfortable.
but it will be amazing.
and i will do it.
i’m expanding my courage to be the best me.
“life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
nine words to live by.
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my latest column at mindfulist.com is up:
The Zest Quest: The Art and Joy of Living a Delightful Life and Finding Your Reason to Be
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Great example of “dreams made real” – lot’s of great emotions when big things start to happen! Inspirational for sure.
definitely lots of emotions. “dreams made real” . . . love that. (and you!)
One of my favorite quotes also, April! I love that you are living it in your own behavior and actions. Your life is expanding and your example is an inspiration to me and so many others. Thank you for sharing that beautiful quote and showing, through your example, how true it really is!! <3
thanks for your lovely sentiments, april. sharing my journey takes a small bit of the fear out of it for me. i’m touched that it may just inspire others as well.
I, too, love that quote, April. Thank you. You inspire me! Here are the words I’ll take with me today:
“this thing i’m doing? it’s real.
it’s big and scary and crazy and gutsy.
and it will be amazing.”
I am reminded how important it is to keep ‘amazing’ front and center when fear shows up to taunt me. xxoo
yes, to achieve “amazing” takes a lot of work and is rarely without fear. thanks for your input, sue ann!
thanks for sharing what you are going through and what you are learning!
thanks for reading!
That is a very timely quote for me right now. Expanding right now and it feels scary. Sitting with that feeling and taking one small step at a time. And thank you to Sue Ann Gleason’s wisdom of keeping amazing front and centre.
you’re right, mui – choosing to expand is not an easy task. and the more willing you are to go further, the harder the path becomes. but it’s oh-so-worth-it. (and amazing. 🙂 )
I really needed that quote today, April.
It will be amazing.
And you will do it.
Because YOU are amazing.
And very courageous.
xo
thank you, michelle. <3
Ahh April your words “this thing i’m doing? it’s real.it’s big and scary and crazy and gutsy. and it will be amazing.” resonates deeply, it describes my life right now right here. Thanks for the inspiration.
YES! what you are doing “right now right here” IS big and scary and crazy and gutsy. and it WILL be amazing. YOU are amazing, dana! <3