Take a LEAP OF FAITH. . . And just DRIVE

 “Take a LEAP OF FAITH!!”, a good friend said.

Who would have thought I got fooled with those words and took that leap despite the raging threats of the unknown? After a year and a half, I revisited that slice of history when Incubus’s Drive was playing on my headphone while I crafted my melodramatic resignation letter; it was the moment I gathered all my might, toughen my heart and strengthen my faith. With mountain of doubts, I quit my job, packed my clothes, left home, and YES, 

I took that leap of faith.

 

SOMETIMES, I FEEL THE FEAR OF UNCERTAINTY

After passing the CPA licensure examination, I landed with a good paying job as an auditor which promotes professional growth and career advancement. Salary, per diem and bonuses were highly sufficient for the basic needs as well as my whims. As I indulged myself with financial security, I also enjoyed the emotional comforts of home with the presence of my family and friends.

Despite the luxury of comforts, I couldn't tame the compelling voice inside me. I just woke up feeling STUCK, EMPTY AND WITH THE DESIRE TO BE MORE. I entertained the thought that maybe I should be somewhere; I should be someone doing what I deeply value; but along with the stir comes my greatest enemy—FEAR. Plunging into uncharted territories is terrifying for the fear is propelled with a faceless culprit I cannot size-up –UNCERTAINTY.

 IT'S DRIVEN ME BEFORE AND IT SEEMS TO BE THE WAY

Psychologist identified two basic emotions-FEAR and LOVE (all others come from these two). In my case, I was driven with fear. I am scared that if I leap I might fall so hard and die in desperation. “What ifs” consumed me before I even take a step:
 

-What if I don’t get a job or a salary enough to meet my needs?
-What if I fail to keep up with the expectations of people?
-What if I make the wrong decision?
-What if along my pursue of what I love I realize it’s not what I want?

We all have fears as a result of some core issues in our life. I had my fears and for some time it chained me to stagnation. It is crucial to identify what scares us and what’s holding us back to where we want to be in order for us to freely take a leap; until then, we remained prisoners of our own demons.

WOULD I CHOOSE WATER OVER WINE?

Security is artificially blissful yet suffocating. The life I had was the life I thought I needed. Then, I am on the edge of the cliff and wanting to take another challenge. I want to write my stories and inspire others. I crave to create my own website and start my own business. I need to increase my financial literacy, share my knowledge and alleviate others from poverty even in the simplest way I know how. I get tired of the customary and was drown with my comfort zone.

HOLD THE WHEEL AND DRIVE

With the urge to live my passion and dreams, I took control of my life. I did not allow fear to dictate the course of my history. But before the ride to freedom and happiness began, I embarked on mental, emotional, financial, physical and spiritual preparation and hold tight on these four basics:

Make up your mind and prepare. Decide to take the challenge of a new life and prepare for it. You can’t just relocate with a month salary. At a minimum, you should have three-month worth of your previous salary. This will serve as your buffer in case you don’t land immediately on a job.

Act. After the decision, act on it. If you don’t execute then obviously there’s no leap but a wishful thinking. Don’t think too much. For once, STOP THINKING and just ACT!

Risk it! At the last minute you might hold back and just forget the whole thing because there’s so much at stake. Don’t worry that’s normal; the important part is that you risk your way to your dreams. Remember, winners are risk takers. You don’t win a game you won’t play.

Keep the PASSION alive. Unfortunate events, challenges, trials, and countless storms will wipe your spirit away and extinguish that light of hope in you. There will be times when you would just want to call it quits and go home. Don’t be a cry-baby loser. Keep the passion burning. For as long as you are happy, at peace and want that dream badly, then, never give up the fight.

WHATEVER TOMORROW BRINGS

It scared the shit out of me taking that leap but I took courage in reliving the life I desired with no regrets. I couldn't imagine living my life accepting commands and directives, and doing something for money’s sake or for the sheer requirement of my profession.

If one day you’ll wake up with that stir in your heart, take time to understand and discern it. When what you value most in your life, you’re passionate about and what gives you incomparable joy require you to take a different path, be brave enough to do it. You might not see what’s ahead but give it your best shot anyway. That’s why it’s called leap of faith for you’ll never have a definite idea on what’s on the other side but still you take the risk. As Incubus's line goes, “Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there”, Remember there will always be people who will be there for you no matter what the consequences of your decision. So, BE COURAGEOUS my friend. And, just take that LEAP!

Photo credits: Anthony Sanmaniego (https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmaybones)