Sheila D. Boynton, LSW, MDiv, CTCP, CAMS-I
Hello Soul Family,
Without realizing it, many of us live our lives waiting for the next thing to happen. We are waiting to go on vacation to have fun. We are waiting for someone to agree to something to make a decision. We’re waiting for the “right time” to change jobs, despite being unfulfilled in the current job. My favorite is the waiting to be partnered to experience the happiness and fulfillment we desire.
Too often, we find ourselves postponing our dreams, our passions, and our happiness, convincing ourselves that “someday” will come. “Someday” we’ll have the freedom, the resources, or the courage to pursue what truly matters to us. But the truth is, there is no guarantee of a “someday.” The only certainty is the present moment. And I know this all too well.
Let’s talk (in my person of the therapist voice). I remember an intense desire to be married. I prayed, ate, and slept wanting a husband. One day, God said “what if I say no [to a husband]?” “How long are you going to live your life on pause waiting for me to send you a husband?” Wow, it never dawned on me that God would say “no,” after all, I was living a very fulfilling life with a growing career. But I realized that subconsciously I had bought into society’s narrative of what it means to be fulfilled and happy. After much reflection, I pushed “play” and began to live with a different mindset – a winning mindset that regardless of my marital status – I’m ENOUGH.
So, it’s time to stop living life on pause. No more waiting for the “perfect” or “right” moment or letting fear hold you back. Stop overthinking every decision and worrying about the “what-ifs.” We’ve got to push past the excuses and start embracing the unknown. Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from pursuing your passions and taking bold steps forward. Instead, have the courage to make a move, even if it’s a small one. The time to push play and get in the game of life is now.
It’s time to stop being a spectator and become an active participant in your own life. Take a deep breath, silence the doubts in your mind, and make the decision to live boldly. The only way to grow and experience all that life has to offer is to stop sitting on the sidelines. Stop living life on pause. Start living your life to the fullest. Push play, get in the game, and watch how your world opens up when you’re finally willing to take that first step.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
- What are your unrealized dreams and aspirations? What is holding you back?
- Where do you see yourself in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years?
- What do you need to change to move forward in pursuit of happiness?
THE SOUL’S CORNER…
- Therapist: What Helped You Survive Won’t Help You Thrive by Nedra Tawwab on YouTube
- Everyday Triggers: What Sets Us Off and How to Beat It by Psychology Today Contributors
- Her Mother’s Hope (novel) by Francine Rivers. Everyone needs a good novel to get lost in it. Well, this fictional romance novel does it for me to get away from the day-to-day work and world.
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