"LEAP"

Happy Day, everyone!

As I mentioned in my previous post, my One Word for the month of January is "leap." I prefer my meditation to be moving meditation - tying the physical with the mental - and started mulling over and really setting my mind to ponder on what LEAP means to me during a busy to-do list day.

During my 2.5 mile walk with the pups. While waiting for my kiddo at the dentist. While working on my One Word craft project.  The more tedious, the better I focus. Stringing embroidery floss around tiny nails is just mindless enough to all for good thinking!  And here's where I'm at:

Leap in to something new.
It's true, while this isn't all completely new, the list of uncertainties (mental, physical, and financial) is long.
Do I believe in who I am and what I'm capable of? Most days, yes. Realizing my worth is something I'm working on, through reading, watching and learning from people I consider mentors (even if they don't know it), and irregular (as in not every day, not as in strange - though, to be fair I'm pretty strange!) meditations. This really is the beginning of my journey - understanding I'm both capable AND deserving of success.
Leap for joy.
I really am finding Joy in the small tasks that lead to bigger plans. Getting giddy when I place a business card order, or finding a smile on my face when thinking about how different things will look in a year, two years. Allowing Joy to guide the order of my to do list based on my mood and focus. Am I ready to sit still at the computer? No. So let's tackle something active: work with my hands, go for a walk (with pups, of course). Joy is not allowing self doubt (which I will inevitably feel, I mean, I'm human) seep into my doer thoughts. That pesky doubt leads to paralysis by analysis - over thinking to the point that nothing gets done. Instead, Joy. Excited to be who I am and put my best foot forward. Joyful to have the opportunity to try. LEAP for Joy!

Leap over obstacles.
They are out there. Staring at me. The to-do list is just the beginning. There are a million daily obstacles when starting any new venture ranging from financial to emotional.  But you know what? LEAP. Yup, with plenty of help from others I'm going to leap. I'm going to parkour style bounce from wall to wall, up and around, until I'm on solid ground. Just keep leaping, right? (For the purpose of this entry, we'll change Dori's swimming to leaping.) Sure, I'll trip up. But I'm ready to attempt the leap.

Understanding that the line of success is almost NEVER straight, and that obstacles are a normal part of growing into something new, I think I'll be ready to leap the small puddles, or grab a stick and pole vault over the big ones.  Just know, I may ask to borrow your stick. :)

Leap because you can.
There are so many factors that lead me to this place. There are relationships, challenges, fortunate circumstances, and planning that has led me here. Feeling that this LEAP is getting me closer to who I am and the kind of life I want to live is what has given me the courage to leap in the first place.  Because I have the support of my family and the circumstances to take the risk, it would be irresponsible for me to ignore all the things that SCREAM at me - leap. Leap. LEAP! Just like those who run for a cause, or who dedicate work to someone in their life who isn't able to do it themselves, I feel like this is my chance to show my kids that they don't have to live in society's box. There are choices and options, risks and rewards. And it's OK to LEAP.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on LEAP as the month progresses. What does LEAP mean to you? What's your One Word for the month (or year)? I'd love to hear about it - HMU in the comments below and watch out for more!

Ciao for now,

jen