“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’

W. H. Murray

I began my working life as a career counselor and I developed a six-week workshop that I used to offer to people in all stages of transition in their lives.  I taught at huge telecommunications corporations that were coming undone; welfare to work programs and even family workshops for the developmentally disabled.  At the final session after we had sorted through values exercises, skills identification and lessons in decision making we came to the final session of goal setting.

I always began the final week of the workshop with the above quote, which I handed out to everyone instead of a certificate of accomplishment.  It is still the first thought that occurs to me when I am stuck in hesitancy and indecision. It is not always easy to tell the difference between when we are in a natural holding pattern waiting for the dust to settle, taking in all the information available in order to decide and when we just get too comfortable in the waiting, and not deciding seems like a good decision.

One way to tell is by taking a mental leap. Even in the moments when we don’t have all the information we wish was available to make a choice,  if we listen closely inside,  the voice to forge on is clear. This is a distinctly different voice from the reckless spontaneity that is mostly just looking to alleviate boredom or anxiety. Hearing the voice of boldness in us connects us to our dreams and gives confidence.

The leaps that move us closer to our heart’s desire are heard by some power greater than ourselves and I have had more than one experience where the quote is the truest thing I know- all kinds of support shows up in ways that I could not have imagined. I am in the midst of re-inventing Good Clean Love again and it is all a leap- but this time it feels more like flying because I am not afraid to fall.

This positivity quest is just getting better all the time.  Haven’t started your own yet? What are you waiting for?

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