While I don’t typically use this type of sweetener in my coffee, it recently appeared in our kitchen for a short time. Being the type of person who looks around and inspects things (much to the chagrin of my children), I noticed random sayings on the backs of the packets.
This particular inspirational quote provided a flashback moment to my earlier teaching days while I was visiting a colleague’s classroom. While not exactly the same wording, the underlying message was identical. Waiting for my individual cup of joe to finish, I began wondering what I’ve done with this saying since first seeing it many years ago.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda moments from the past that happened because I just didn’t start. What was I afraid of? Imperfection, interruption, frustration? Perhaps none or perhaps all of the above! Was the timing not right? Were those moments just not allowed for because it wasn’t the right chapter of my life? I’ll never know the answer for certain but those moments do linger in my psyche.
When I think of those past choices, to do or not to do, I try not to be too hard on myself and hope that if the opportunity presents itself again, I’ll simply start. Need some help in the physical act of starting… try this saying on for size!
“5 seconds exist between ideas and actions that will change your life! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…. GO!” Mel Robbins
Therapists, career coaches, parents and partners may all have different ways to paint the picture of starting and my bet is that they, too, have their own woulda, coulda, shoulda moments! When you’re presented with your next moment, what will you choose? Will you face the fear and uncertainty, imperfection and interruption and trust that your “start” will lead to something that is better than nothing?
Here’s to you and your start!
Jason
