I just had a thought that I’d like to share: Turtles are fascinating little buggers.  They are ancient and adaptable.  They live their little reptilian life in stride, yet at the same time, they are risk takers.”

“Risk takers?” you say, “Surely not! Turtles do not take risks at all!  Rather, they hide in their shells at the slightest hint of distress.”

And you are right.  They do.  They like to hang out in their comfort zone when they are distraught.  And don’t we all?

But consider this for a moment, my open-minded darlings:  the only way that a turtle may travel through life, the only way that it will ever make progress, is if it sticks out its neck and takes a risk.

…This morning, I woke with a pipe dream, and it has been on my mind all day.  I have researched the details, considered it from every angle, and have all but convinced myself that I’ve finally decided what I want to be when I grow up.

And that, my loves, feels very exciting!  Very refreshing.  Very uncertain.  Simply making that statement fills my head with tons of confusing yet important questions.  Is this what I really want?  Is this really just a fleeting thought?  Do I really know what I am doing here?  Will people support me?  Will I be able to find the help and resources that I need?  What happens if I fail?…

..Then, when these questions have been answered, I must decide how serious I really am.  And, finally, if this is what I truly want, I must actually do something about it.

And that is the scary part.  Because living life in motion, taking action and initiative, is to also take risks.  Sometimes these risks feel as though we are about to take a flying leap without knowing where, or how, or if we are going to land.  If we will grow our wings.

Yet, the only way that we will ever find our footing, grow our wings, and discover the fulfillment we have been longing for is to let go of our self doubt.  To free ourselves from the grips of this doubt, embrace uncertainty and the possibilities in store, and allow ourselves to follow our hearts.

We must live like the turtle.  We must stick our necks out and take risks.  We must break free of our shells and create the lives that we are destined to live.

Ellie Otteson, MA, CPC

Life and Wellness Coach

The New U Vitality Center

Willmar, Minnesota