When I recently saw Moana 2, there was one line that jumped off the screen and screamed to me. “For some things we never feel ready.” My nine-year-old daughter was sitting next to me and asked why I was writing that down.
Funny because she was one of the things I wasn’t quite ready for. I’d chosen to become a single mom at age 46, gotten pregnant via IVF, and carefully nurtured the pregnancy along. But when she arrived at week 39, I wasn’t quite ready. I had things to do that last week!
Thinking back to every mountain climbing trip I’ve packed for. I don’t recall ever feeling like, “Oh, I have everything I need and am totally ready.” It’s been more like, “The car leaves in a half hour so I’m going with what I’ve got.”
I remember when I started my own company. I had enough of a plan and experience to quit my job but I didn’t feel ready. I had a fall back mantra to get me through that I would just go back to my previous job if it didn’t work out.
Point being, that line resonated with me. The jumping off point to a new adventure, the next thing I write, the beginning of a relationship, and even sometimes the words I’m going to utter next – they all come with reasons not to. And one big reason why we should.
Because the only way to finish is to start.
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My other projects include my personal blog and my book about my journey to find what fueled my dad’s indelible spark and twinkle can be found on Amazon: Finding My Father’s Faith.
(featured photo from Pexels)
Outstanding post!! So many people get hung up on all kinds of things – but the most important thing, as you said, is just to start. Otherwise, life might end up as nothing but a string of fearful episodes of paralysis.
So well said, Todd! Counter the paralysis by starting! Thanks, my friend!
Ooh this is meaningful for me Wynne. About 3 weeks ago I was asked if I was ready for Christmas. My response was a laugh followed by “I’m not even ready for tomorrow yet”. 🙂
An afterthought was how negative was my response! But after reading your post Wynne, it wasn’t was it! I had started ‘today’ and hadn’t finished it yet; tomorrow hadn’t arrived. Well it’s helped me see it in a positive light anyway. 🙏🏼 ☺️
That’s funny, Margaret! I think you are ready – you hadn’t finished today yet! 🙂 What a great story.
So true. We have to start in order to finish!
Straightforward yet necessary. Right, Elizabeth? 🙂
Exactly. It reminds me of the saying when my husband worked at Merrill Lynch. “Plan you work and work your plan.”
The only way to finish is to start. Oh, I needed that advice today Wynne. Love it. Thank you.
Thank you, Brian! I’m glad it was timely. 🙂
Yes, Wynne, at a certain moment you have to start otherwise you’ll never finish, namely you never progress. Interesting reflections!
Thank you, Cristiana!
The only way to finish is to start! That is just brilliant, Wynne. That was something I remember from James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits”. He said planning is not doing and sometimes you have to jump in and just start doing.
Oh, planning is not doing — that is such a good point! Wow, Michelle!
Awe, “The only way to finish is to start,” and it’s doesn’t have to be big. Baby steps. We’ll get there ready or not. Love this Wynne. Hugs, C
We’ll get there ready or not. Isn’t that the truth?! Thank you, my friend!
I really enjoyed this Wynne! Thank you!
Thank you, Pam!
We are never truly prepared for anything. Life is full of surprises 🌻
Perfectly said, Nicole! Thanks for the comment!
You’re very welcome~ 🌻