Action

Action begins with the first small step and then another.  One day at a time.  Action begins with belief in yourself, the support of others and spiritual connection.  Once one muscle is moved another is engaged and so it goes – momentum follows as long as we stay in the present.   Retreating to the past or trying to control the future will slow or even stop the actions that must happen now, today.

There are important things to consider during this monumental stage of change.  The actions you take and the goals you set for yourself need to be attainable, realistic, and healthy, holistic and kind.   Staying in touch with your mentors before making any significant decisions will help keep the process moving smoothly and prevent unnecessary detours and also provide necessary moral support and connection.

Keeping your expectations in check and somewhat fluid is important, too.  Expectations must be open-armed and not rigid for too often our expectations don’t resemble the actual outcome.  Staying detached from the outcome allows for the acceptance of what is and the realization that even though things turnout differently from what you envisioned, all is as it should be. 

Finally, be kind to yourself.  Deep change and the actions necessary to facilitate this type of work is hard.  It’s rigorous, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Take time to reflect on the progress that is being made, no matter how small.  Forgive yourself often.  Share with others frequently and accept their praise completely – no ifs, ands or buts about it!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
― H. Jackson Brown Jr., P.S. I Love You