Writing this post is a huge step out of my comfort zone. Part of me, well really most of me, doesn’t want to publish it. But I have come to realize that, when we have that fear, is when we know that it’s exactly what we need to do. So I am going to tell you something that I haven’t really ever shared. It’s how I thought, what I wrongly believed for the past 42 years…
I have been living my life, quietly, waiting for other people to take the lead, happy to follow but never really thinking it was my place to lead. Never thinking that I was smart enough to speak my mind, make a decision… when I say this out loud I realize how ridiculous it sounds. But I just didn’t have the self confidence to believe that I had a say in things… even my own life. I left it up to other people to decide things, including what my opinion should be on, well, everything. I think my opinion on things changed depending on who I was talking to at the time! It was like I thought I didn’t know enough, I thought everybody else was more knowledgeable and therefore they must have the “right” opinion.
I feel like I’ve spent my life waiting for somebody to come and tell me what to do next. I kinda felt like that was how it was supposed to be. I would ask other people what type of job I should have, where I should live. And I would do what they told me, even when I knew in my heart it wasn’t what I really wanted. I was asking people smarter than me, so they must have the right answer… right?
I received a gift from one of my coaches recently. It is an amazing book and it truly has changed the way I think. There have been many influences which have helped me to change my mindset in the past year but this book just screamed it at me. It is a book by Seth Godin, who if you don’t know him, is a best-selling author / blogger / entrepreneur / speaker. The name of the book is (and I love this) “What to do when it’s your turn [and it’s always your turn]”
When I received the book I quickly flipped through it and on the first page it says
Your turn to:
Ship.
Speak up.
Stand out.
Build a following.
Market a product.
Make a connection.
Solve an interesting problem.
Write, sing, invent, create, ask a question, launch a project, organize a protest, open the door for someone, question authority, make a short film, direct, produce, create, or adopt.
Learn a new skill.
Help someone who needs you.
Be missed if you’re gone.
and at the bottom it says “YOUR TURN TO MAKE A RUCKUS” – I love it!
I feel like this book was written for me! That’s exactly how I feel with all of the crazy things I’m doing now. It’s my turn to make a ruckus! I am no longer sitting quietly and waiting. I may will do things that other people don’t agree with. I have no idea what the path looks like, but I’m following my vision and trying new things. One (or more) of them will be the right thing. Did I mention the latest? I just signed up for a Travel Writing course! I love to travel and I love to write… sounds perfect!
It’s really quite liberating to take control of my own life. I now make the decisions. I get to decide that I am going to go after some pretty crazy goals and dreams. It’s like a new found freedom!
I was just reading Seth Godin’s book when it struck that I needed to tell this story. I read the line “If you demand that everything that happens be something you are adequately prepared for, we wonder if you’ve chosen never to leap in ways that we need you to leap”. This relates to the post from a couple of weeks ago about having courage. I just need to do things even when I don’t have any idea how to do them. And even if the people “smarter” than me don’t think it’s a good idea. I’ll figure it out, or maybe I won’t and I’ll move onto the next thing. But living a life of boredom and safety and doing what others think I should do, is no longer an option.
Make your life an EPIC adventure! 
Awesome! Way to step into fear!
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This is one of your best post yet Lisa. Way to go. Go for it, never look back. Don’t second guess. You’re on a roll. It is most definitely your turn!
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You are amazing woman! From the moment I met you, I knew there was something special about you. I love seeing your transformation being birthed right before all of us! Thank you for having the courage to share!
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“living a life of boredom and safety and doing what others think I should do, is no longer an option” Yup, too late now! Adios boredom!! I love it!
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It’s all about the journey!
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Tia, “To thine own self be true.”
We have all navigated detours and potholes in our lives, and we are a better and stronger person for it.
Our paths in life are full of questions and it’s the growth and wisdom in the answers that make our journey so rich.
Always listen to your heart and soul. They will guide you well.
I look forward to hearing all about your travel writing course.
It sounds amazing, just like you!
Mimi xxoo
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Every time I read your blog, it speaks to my heart. I love your perspective and am inspired to watch you reach, stretch and grow. Thanks.
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Very well done. You’re in charge! If you don’t make mistakes you’re not trying hard enough.
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Love It! You have everything you need inside of you to make some noise. God put it there before you were born and now it’s starting to come out. Trust you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Get loud! Thanks for sharing!
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