I've been reflecting quite a bit lately on what it means to 'do.' Google defines 'do' as "performing an action, the precise nature of which is often unspecified." Taking action, even without knowing the exact way to do it or what the result will be. Ambiguous action.
So often in my life, I struggle with moving from thinking to doing. For a while, I haven't been thrilled about a number of my life circumstances. Those of you who know me know that I complain about these things regularly (one of my many positive qualities). I talk about wanting to change things, but I don't always take the steps necessary to instigate the change. I contemplate and worry, but that's usually about as far as it goes. Worry can lead to inaction, and inaction is dangerous. It's stifling.
One of my biggest issues when it comes to making a decision to do something is not knowing what exactly I'm supposed to do. I find myself telling friends quite frequently that I'd love to have a guidebook that tells me how many steps to take in each direction, when to stop, and when to go. I think it's easy to get so caught up in wanting to know exactly what I'm supposed to do that I end up sitting around waiting for clarity, only to let opportunity after opportunity pass me by. Not cool.
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| Take nine steps in this direction. Stop, do 48 burpees, turn left, and keep walking. |
I'm currently reading a book called Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. It's delightful. It's also inspiring. The premise of the book is that each day, we are presented with countless opportunities to do something. To act. Some of those opportunities are more significant than others. He refers those as 'divine moments.' He says:
"Some moments have a lifetime of momentum; other moments appear mundane and later prove to be monumental. Every moment is priceless, unique, and unrepeatable. And within the countless numbers that make up our lives, there are divine opportunities awaiting us."
He does not tell us what those divine moments are. I suppose they vary for each of us. And honestly, any moment can be a divine moment, because there is no way to know the full impact an action (or inaction) can have on our lives or on the lives of others. The only way for us to know is to 'do.'
And so, I'm beginning the process of 'doing.' I'm doing something big. It's part exciting and part terrifying, but it's 100% action. Stay tuned for details.
