Come and join me for a few minutes.
In a practice that I call Where can I start small?
Settle wherever you are.
Let your eyes close if that feels right or just soften your gaze.
Take a breath in.
Let the breath out.
And let whatever you were doing rest for a moment.
There's nowhere else you need to be right.
Now.
Bring to mind.
Something that you're a little afraid of.
It doesn't have to be the biggest fear in your life.
Choose something you're willing to look at.
Maybe a conversation.
That you keep putting off.
Maybe a moment when all eyes are going to be on you.
Just see what arrives.
There's no wrong answer to this.
No right answer either.
Just whatever occurs to you.
Now picture the moment.
Of facing this.
Where are you?
Who's there?
What's about to happen?
As you picture it.
Notice what happens in your body.
Maybe a tightening in the throat or a flutter in your chest.
Perhaps your breath grows shorter.
Will your shoulders rise?
Whatever is there.
Let your attention rest on it.
For a few breaths.
Try not to judge it,
Just be.
Observe.
Now,
Ask yourself.
Where can I start?
What is the first step I could take?
Toward this.
What's a step?
With the lowest stakes.
Perhaps.
It's saying the first sentence of that difficult conversation out loud.
By yourself.
Perhaps it's telling one person you trust.
What you're afraid of.
What the heck?
Small step become clear.
You don't have to name it perfectly.
Now!
Picture yourself taking that one step.
See where you are.
Notice the fear as it comes up.
And take that step.
Then notice what's there.
Once you've taken it.
Perhaps some relief.
Perhaps the fear is still there.
But maybe a little lighter.
Perhaps something else is there entirely.
Even if that step feels too big today,
It's okay.
Choose an easier one.
There's no hurry.
Before we finish,
You might Choose a time this week.
When you'll take that step for real.
Just that one.
The next one can wait.
And when you're ready.
Return gently.
To the rest of your day.
