Wednesday Bubble: Jump Out of Your Own Shadow

Posted by Liz on Oct 8, 2008 in Inspiration | 4 comments

[Image:  Underwood, Philly Shadow, quilted silk]

Time for a bit of Wednesday inspiration.

On tap is a post that I am dedicating to author Patti Digh, whose wonderful ‘soul-help’ book ‘Life is a Verb‘ has been inspiring and challenging me for about a month now. If you’ve not heard of Patti or her book, I encourage you to take a look; her writing is fresh and the book is something you’ll revisit over and over again.

I hope to interview Patti for an in-depth exploration of her vision, as there are a few chapters that seem to be to be directed to mid-life. In the interim, here’s perfect little taste, an amuse bouche if you will.

“Today – not tomorrow – is the day to jump,” writes Patti Digh.

How often do we stall in a comfort or discomfort zone because we do not trust ourselves and our instincts?

We stay in an unhappy relationship rather than facing the truths underlying that unhappiness. We remain in uninspiring careers, live in a place we’d prefer not to live, continue to forge new relationships that are unhealthy or put x off ‘until tomorrow’ because, as Patti writes, “we need more data…about how and where and with whom we will land.”

How often have you found yourself looking for the “more” before cashing in your chips?

I believe that fear of the unknown can and should be turned into excitement about what’s just around the corner. This may sound odd coming from me; those who know me best will attest to the fact that I don’t “do” change well and never have.

And yet, I started my own business when many were encouraging me to stick with the old and seek another job in a field that I found very stagnant and stale. I left my home – NYC – after 20 years and moved to Maryland (even though I was terrified and tearful and completely sure that I was out of my mind). I finally took the carrot that my Ex had been dangling in front of me for months and ended an unhealthy and unhappy relationship.

At times, the road has been hard and painful and heart wrenching.  But every single time that I’ve trusted my deep instincts, my gut feelings, and finally said “enough,” I’ve landed on my feet, happier, more fulfilled, and hopeful.

There is no better time like right this second to place fears about the unknown into a small box and close the lid. Remind yourself that the fabric of life is interwoven with all that is good and bad, that the small challenges are what forge growth, and that it is very possible that you are, as Patti writes, “casting your own shadows.”

So today, I am challenging you to take a leap of faith, and ‘jump out of your own shadow.’ Do something outside your normal comfort zone. Visit a new place that has been on your list of “must sees.” Volunteer at a non-profit organization whose activities stoke your creative fires. Join an alumni group and start networking for new career opportunities. Say hello to the cute guy at the gym who smiles at you everyday. Or better yet, try a social media community such as Twitter or Linkedin and take inspiration from what the rest of the world is challenging themselves to do. Take a class, set some limits… trust yourself.

Patti Digh says to remember that you are never more than three minutes from the ground.

Jump.

Bet you’ll be glad that you did.