PEBBLE
Be courageous and face this moment in time consciously and with all the discernment and clarity within your power.
~James O’Dea, shared by Holly in Phoenix, AZ from his Invocation for Humanity
BOULDER
It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good a time as any.
~Hugh Laurie, shared by Michael in Vancouver BC
PONDER
There are plenty of ways I’ve improved my skills and confidence as a presenter over the past three decades, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the feeling I get as I arrive at an event: that little whisper insisting I’m not quite ready.
For years I assumed that uneasiness was proof I hadn’t yet fully honed my craft—that with enough preparation and practice, I’d eventually arrive 100% confident, certain I’d done absolutely everything possible to guarantee a top-notch talk.
Now, as I gear up for this week’s “Anchors of Peace & Hope” Zoom talks** I notice the same familiar questions swirling around: “What did I forget to do?” and “What else can I do to make sure I’m ready?” The questions haven’t changed, but my relationship to them has. I respect their intention to help, and I also recognize their futility—because there’s always something more I could do, and insecurities are never fully satisfied.
Maybe “ready” isn’t a destination after all. Maybe it’s a doorway that opens only when we stop waiting and step through anyway.
What’s one thing in front of you right now that’s asking to be faced—even if you don’t feel ready?
Peace,
Paul