Dreaming of Chocolate and New Possibilities

I have two friends who are partners in a thriving business. With clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to some of today’s top recording artists, they have their hands in a thousand cool things the rest of us would find fascinating. From the outside looking in, most would think they’re living the dream. But inside, they both secretly felt trapped. Although they were committed to their joint venture, one was also interested in working with clients whose needs reached beyond the scope of their partnership. The other had a growing passion for making truffles. It had been a hobby for years, but when people tasted them, they begged her to make them available to buy. Afraid of what the other one would think if they revealed what was churning inside of them, they both stood still.

 

How many of us are doing the same thing? We’re doing important work. The bills are getting paid. From the outside looking in, anyone would call us lucky. But inside, we can’t shake the sense that there might be more for us if we’d step out. Shackled to the safety of what’s predictable and expected, we stand still.

 

For too long, my friends told themselves lies they called reasons why they couldn’t consider a change.  They kept their secret… until the day when their worlds would change.  I can only imagine what it must have been like for them to have that hard conversation. I’m sure it wasn’t easy.

 

But it was worth it.

 

You guys, I’m absolutely BLOWN AWAY by what’s happened for them since then. In the two weeks that followed, the chocolatier rented a commercial kitchen and set up a web site. The very day her site went live, she received twenty orders, and they’ve been pouring in ever since. She also shared some samples at a party, and when the owner of a local winery indulged, he loved them so much he immediately placed an order for 100 dozen! Her truffles are so hot, she’s had to hire staff to keep up with demand.

 

My other friend has taken on some new projects I can’t be specific about. But I can say this. I’ve never seen her happier or more energized. I’ve never seen her on the verge of something more groundbreaking, important or personally fulfilling. I’ve never seen her primed for greater financial success and influence. She’s thinking outside of her self made box, and feels her possibilities have expanded exponentially.

 

The greatest surprise is that they’ve found a renewed focus and determination for their partnership as well. Their respect for each other and passion for their business has actually grown as they’ve stepped out.

 

Okay, so maybe you’re not looking to start or grow a business, but this applies to all of us.

 

If you’ve got a heartbeat…

- you have a hope for something that lies ahead of you.

- you wrestle with doubt and excuses as to why it can’t happen.

- you think you know how the people in your life or the marketplace will respond… and maybe that assumption keeps you standing in place.

 

What if you’re right? You might be. It’s possible people will get in the way of your hope. Is that reason enough not to pursue it? Maybe they’ll think you’re nuts to even consider making a change. Is that reason enough not to change? It’s possible, even probable, that the road ahead is rough. Is that reason enough to let it stop you?

 

And what if you’re wrong? What if there’s something beautiful waiting for you on the other side of your assumptions, your excuses… your fear?

 

Don’t let doubt quiet the whisper in your heart. If you’re not listening to it, you’re guaranteed to miss the next thing you’re meant to do.

 

Time is growing shorter every single day. Let’s step beyond our yesterday life… let’s step into tomorrow.