Time to Cross the Bridge

I’ve often used a bridge analogy when talking about reaching my goals.  For me, it seems an apt comparison.  You see, I’ve often had the feeling of seeing my goal “on the other side of the bridge”, knowing that all I need to do is cross it, and the goal is mine.  I’ve also had the experience, however, of not crossing the bridge.  And I’ve finally come to realize what stops me.  Fear (big surprise).

Truthfully, I’ve known for a long time that fear is what holds me or anyone else back from the achievement of their goals.  I guess what I’ve really just realized in a “hit me over the head” sort of way is the specifics of the fear, what I’m actually afraid of.  It’s a fear that’s got a pretty big hold on me actually — and I know this because I thought I had ditched this one a long time ago.  The fear that stops me from crossing the bridge, is the fear of leaving the stuff on this side of the bridge behind, and more specifically, the people on this side of the bridge.

Let’s face it; on this side of the bridge I’ve got people I know and love, people I’m comfortable with, people who get me (I think).  And while my goal is definitely on the other side of the bridge, these people aren’t.  Now, I know that some of them may in fact come with me — there may well be people who cross alongside me or follow behind.

What stops me, however, is the not knowing.  I don’t know for sure if the people I love will join me — they might choose to stay behind.  They might decide that they don’t like me when I’ve achieved my goal.  And I don’t know who’s on the other side.  I might need to establish a whole new support network  in order to be with my goal.  In short, it’s fear of loss and change that’s stopping me — and others I know — from moving forward.

So here’s what I’ve decided (gulp)…it’s time to let go of the fear, if nothing else, and start walking over the bridge.  It’s time for me to truly live into the idea that stepping into a new level requires me to be willing to shed the old.  Some of the old may stick around, and I need to move forward regardless.

Bottom-line:  I can wait for everyone to join me on my journey before I step forward, or I can take the first step and trust that those who are menat to be with me will be, and those who aren’t — well, they won’t be.  And there will be others.  And it’s all good.