ISSUE 993 - October 2024

For the last four years, I have focused on working with mentors and coaches to learn and grow as a writer and speaker. 

As I close these latest affiliations, the question posed is the same as in previous collaborations: what's my next step? 

It's nice they don't want to launch me into an unknown abyss. They want to ensure I have a plan as I continue my forward momentum.

I have not had a solid plan as I've parted ways with previous programs. I've unmoored my little Vivie boat from the safety of the dock, secretly knowing I'm unprepared as I cast myself out into the unchartered waters. I observe the shrinking shoreline while bravely waving goodbye with a hesitant smile, "Yes, I know what I'm doing, I'm fine." Not. 

I toss around in the rough seas, feeling insecure and inadequate. Under the guise of needing to learn more, better, and newer information, I quickly find another dock. I jump to shore, abandoning the unknown adventure of the sea. In reality, I'm delaying implementing what I've already learned. 

However, this time, for the first time in my life, my Vivie boat is sufficiently equipped, and my smile is genuinely confident. The seas are not rough and uncertain at this time. The opposite is true. My boat sits upon a crystal clear and calm ocean. I can see everything around me. I can see to the bottom sand of the ocean floor; I can see up to the heavens through a perfectly clear, blue sky and the best part is that I can see ahead of me as far as my desires can take me.

I see my tumultuous and varied past and embrace the lessons that have shaped me into my present self. I see my future as much as is humanly possible. As we all know, life's surprises frequently uproot our plans. Thankfully, that's part of the adventure.

My vision of what I want to do (speak all over the world), where I want to go (everywhere), and how I want to live (like a gypsy) defines this next chapter of my life and is unobstructed—a first for me. Woohoo!

I'm not saying I have all the answers because that's neither true nor necessary. The surprise is I've learned to embrace the adventure of uncertainty ahead. I haven't always thought this way. My unyielding obsession with getting it right before moving forward has been the constant quest for more mentors, coaches, programs, and groups. 

My favorite part of this clarity is not about looking around me and seeing everything outwardly but realizing the clarity from within. 

First and foremost, I've discovered in my Vivie boat excursion around the world that I'm not done yet. I have more to give to this world, but not under the systems, thoughts, or beliefs of others. Don't get me wrong; they have been unbelievably helpful. Those experiences have, like all the experiences of my life, shaped me. 

The beauty is I'm finally ready to forge my course, not hindered by what I think others will think of me or what others want for or from me. This clarity is amazing, freeing, and a life-changing gift I have given myself.

If you need more clarity in what your heart desires, I strongly suggest you embark on a quest to find your crystal clear. Trust me, you won't regret it.