Brave
It's been a long time coming to start this journey. I'll make a conscious effort to rediscover and formalize the paths leading to this moment. Not in this piece though, but in separate ones maybe linking back to this. I'll figure this out while I go forward, bear with me. I wanted to start with the moment of starting, by sharing a glimpse of what went through my head before hitting send. To arrive at this point, I had to reconnect with my bravery, a resource that I keep reminding myself of, and it can be tricky sometimes.
I used to be brave many times before. I was a semi-professional basketball player, often playing with and against older, faster, stronger, and even taller players (it was a pure shocker for me every time, as I'm around 2 meters tall). This meant that I had been doing it for years, and I could go toe-to-toe against new challenges. Or at least I could try. I might fail, but in the best-case scenario, I'll accomplish something that day. Get better again, building something new onto the previous foundation.
Embracing the Uncomfortable First Step
I consider the act of changing environments – work and living – a form of bravery as well. Leaving behind what's known for something that feels distant. I moved more than 20 times throughout my life, experiencing different cities, vastly different sceneries, and sometimes countries. Oh, and the people, who might be way different even within the same country if you move across some counties. Lastly, jobs or careers. I learned something, got good at it, then moved onto my next challenge as life moved forward. These all required courage.
I feel like I am being brave as I'm starting my journey to become visible. Why though? Staying behind the scenes became stagnation, a very comfortable zone where most of the variables could be controlled. No room for real meaningful growth. Lone wolferism has its benefits, but I realize now, learning happens outside, with remaining open to feedback.
Choosing Visibility
I decided to start creating, to become visible. Bringing value by provoking critical thinking. If by writing I accomplish that, I'm going to be happy. I'll revisit and check myself from time to time to see if this value statement holds true so I can hold myself accountable. But you're welcome to do that as well! Let me know if I diverge and stop delivering meaningful thoughts. What's the point then?
Becoming brave enough. To start. Letting myself to be ready and open to change, because that's how I learn and grow. Experiencing new challenges that seem unimaginable at first sometimes. Then overcome that challenge and celebrate progress. That's key! Remembering to always remain my main cheerleader, as I should be learning for myself first, then for others.
I invite you to remain brave enough to take the first steps, even when it feels uncomfortable.
