The Courage to Begin Before You’re Ready

Sometimes it takes someone else’s words to reflect the truth you’ve been too close to see.

That’s what happened in my chat with a friend this morning.

She looked me in the eye – metaphorically and energetically – and said how much she feels my story. How much she relates. How much she admires the way I live what I teach.

She told me I inspired her. That she’d love to have what I have – the freedom.

And I sat with that for a moment…

Not from a place of ego, but from deep recognition.

Because isn’t it wild how we can forget our own brilliance?
How we can go about our days – living, creating, holding space – without fully seeing the power of our presence?

Sometimes we’re so used to being in the process, we forget how much we’ve already walked through.

We forget that our courage is visible. That our confidence does show. That our journey speaks even when we’re not trying to perform it.

And the words that stayed with me most?

“Stop playing small.”

Yes. That one.

Because I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.

How easy it is to wait.
To tweak and perfect and polish.
To overthink the offering, the post, the product, the message – until the moment feels just right.
Except that moment?
It never really comes.

Danielle LaPorte says it best: Launch and Learn.
Do the thing.
Take the step.
Create the imperfect version.
Let it breathe, let it land, and let it teach you what to do next.
That’s where growth lives.
Not in the perfect plan – but in the sacred courage to begin, even when the path isn’t clear.

And the truth is:
Every single season of my life has been one big lesson in this.
I’ve outgrown dreams that once defined me.
I’ve uncovered strengths I didn’t know were mine.
I’ve transformed through discomfort, beauty, and becoming.

It’s never been tidy.
But it’s always been mine.

So here’s what I’m reminding myself of today, and maybe you need this too:

• You don’t have to wait until it’s perfect.
• You don’t need to have it all figured out.
• You’re allowed to evolve.
• And you’re absolutely allowed to shine.

Stop rushing. Stop shrinking.
You’re not late. You’re not behind.
You’re right on time for your own becoming.

The version of you that’s unfolding right now?
She’s learning.
She’s launching.
She’s rising.

One brave, imperfect, brilliant step at a time.

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