Its only been the customary week between my posts, but somehow it feels like it has been longer.  I went and had a birthday this past week, which is always a treat thanks to the amazing people in my life who shower me with love and well wishes.  I certainly feel blessed.  Even more amazing is that the love and support I receive is given to me year round.

For instance, I have a friend that stumbled upon a poster that read, “Don’t make change too complicated.  Just begin.”  Knowing of my website and, lets be honest, one of my main supporters, she thought to send it along to me.  That’s what this website has been all about from day one: beginning.

In less than a year, I have watched as my small action to begin writing has enriched my life.  I have learned greater discipline; gained a greater understanding of my worth; become more aware of the blogging world, including the opportunity to be a contributor on Over the Big Moon; took a chance and submitted a quote to Via magazine, which was published; didn’t quit even though there were plenty of times that I wanted to; and have been given the wonderful opportunity to share lessons learned in my own life in hopes of brightening another’s outlook.

These gifts and blessings were not what a foresaw when I began.  Certainly, I had a desire to hopefully ease another’s burden by sharing the ups and downs of real life, but I didn’t think that I would gain so much personally.  I wish I could convey to those reading how much my life has been blessed merely by beginning (and continuing).  I had previously spent so many years talking myself out of doing anything in the writing field, as there were certainly others that could do it better.  And there still are.  That has not changed.  I do not fancy myself an amazing writer.  What I do know is that the practice of nourishing this passion has blessed my life in ways that I had not anticipated.  In some ways, it makes me frustrated with all the prior years wasted.  At the same time though, it makes me appreciate the beauty that has come from finally beginning.

I used to see starting points differently.  I liken it to when I once enjoyed running.  I say “once enjoyed” only because I am so out of shape now that I can’t pretend that I enjoy something that I no longer do.  When I ran, I never did well at long distance.  I enjoyed a quick sprint.  I chalked it up to the way my body was built to work, but as I type this I’m thinking maybe my view on life was the culprit in convincing myself I was not cut out for long distance.  You see, I want immediate gratification.  It’s all a matter of impatience, I suppose.  If I don’t hit the finish line almost as soon as I’ve started, then I’ve somehow convinced myself that I’ll never hit the finish line.  So, why even race?  Or perhaps, I’ll hit the finish line last and somehow be deemed a failure?  The funny thing is that I don’t see myself as competitive, more as the Unlikely Perfectionist.  I think what I’ve learned in beginning to actively practice my writing is that each mile marker I hit is a victory.  Now, I don’t know that I even want to hit the finish line because the run itself feels so good.

This “run” I am on right now has been made possible by the many cheerleaders on the sidelines sending me words of encouragement and reminding me that I can do this.  And, you know what?  They’re right.  But if I can do this, then I know those reading can do it too.  I would like to be your cheerleader.  Please share with me what passion you are beginning, or virtue you are working on, or wound you are trying to heal?  Because I want to be there to hear how your life will be blessed in unexpected ways too.