If not now, when?

I was recently at my cousin’s house and she has this sentence on display in her kitchen.

A very simple phrase packing in a whole lot of power.

It serves as a gentle reminder that we often tend to put off, push back and press forward our hopes, projects, dreams and goals. Not just the big ones, but the little ones as well.

The phrase also more forcefully reminds us that our time here is limited – it’s up to us to decide how and when we do something and ultimately make the most of the time we have.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing amiss with a long-term plan. In fact, forward thinking helps us to get motivated and map out our desired trajectory. And delaying satisfaction is also key to stability, growth and emotional maturity.

But when we try to get all of the stars aligned before taking off on a mission…we may stay grounded and end up putting it off the mission indefinitely. Because let’s face it, life is far from perfect. And the longer we procrastinate and ponder without actually putting an idea in to action, the less conceivable it becomes, creating an immense void between dream and reality.

Sometimes you need to take that leap of faith and see where you land. You can always readjust yourself mid-air, or turn around once you land – but you definitely need the momentum of the leap to get things going.

So here I am leaping, eyes wide open…

Yes, it’s a calculated, privileged leap. One that was perhaps overdue. Not my first and probably not my last.

My leaps have served me well. So maybe that provides me with a perceived layer of protection from a possible fall. I am also well surrounded by people who have, and continue to encourage me in my daredevilish moves to accomplish my unlikely goals. I mean, who decides to go to law school, in their second language at the age of 30 with two small children under the age of 2?

I did.

But I did not leap alone – I had a parachute – a partner in crime who supported me and encouraged me to become the best version of myself, by allowing me to strive for this seemingly impossible goal. At the time, when I was doubting and putting all the emphasis on the cons of going back to school, I was encouraged to look at the flip side – what if I don’t do it?

Not all leaps have to be life-altering career changes. But all our hopes and dreams deserve a place to shine.

If not now, when?

This perspective allows for a clearer vision of the future and the decisions needed to get there.

One leap at a time.

And the time is now.

#leapingwithGrit&Grace