So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it. – Jim Carrey
So what is up with not asking for what we really want?
- We don’t think we deserve it
- We believe those things happen to other people
- We have enough so it would be greedy/selfish to ask for we really want
- It isn’t practical (read: won’t make money)
I think this last one trips us up the most. Our society—including our well-meaning family and friends—equates success with money. If we want to do something that may not bring us money immediately, we may devalue it and by extension, ourselves.
The Cost of Risk
Daring implies risk. So what are we risking by asking for what we really want?
Disappointment if it doesn’t work out? Looking foolish in front of people whose opinions matter to us? Guilt at getting to do what we want but not contributing financially?
The Cost of Comfort
But what happens if we don’t take the risk? If we don’t go after what we want 110%?
Disappointment that we didn’t try? Looking foolish to ourselves because we couldn’t overcome the fear? Guilt/regret that we didn’t give it a shot?
The more I go through this life, the more I realize that what I believe, what I feel called passionately to do, what will lift me as a human being is far more important than the possibility of some discomfort as I pursue what I truly desire.
I don’t want to look back and wonder what if?
I want to look back and say Wow. Look what I did. Look what I’m doing.
And reach for the next dream.
