Life on the Edge
I'm Stretching Again. Are you?
I remember standing at the bottom of the ladder. I was shivering, goggles propped up on my bathing cap. I was thirteen years old. My summer swim team practice had ended, the pool was mostly empty, my mom had gone to fetch my brother from camp, and I was alone with my fear. For weeks, I had watched others dive effortlessly from the highest board, but every time I climbed the ladder, my feet refused to move past the edge.
The lifeguard didnโt say a wordโhe just watched. And in his silence, I could hear the loudest voice of all: my own.
โCome on, you should be able to do this. Whatโs wrong with you?โ
โI canโt imagine what the lifeguard is thinkingโhe must think youโre just stupid.โ
โYouโve done harder things before. Just jump.โ
โNever mind. Maybe youโre not as brave as you thought.โ
Again and again, I would climb up, take a few steps toward the edge, and climb back down.
Until one time, having finally made it out to the edge for more than a few seconds, my inner voice went quiet. For the first time, I stopped battling myself and just listened.
โDive!โ I heard my heart say.
I took a deep breath. And I jumped. It was one of the best days of my life.
That moment on the diving board stayed with me, not because it was brave, but because it was one of the first times I recall truly hearing myself. Not the anxious noise or the inner critic, but the quieter voice underneath. The one that said, simply, โGo.โ
Itโs 39 years later, and Iโm having another high-dive moment, albeit of a different kind. This time itโs the publication and launch of my first book.
The moment of truth is nearing: The manuscript is written. The second round of edits is in progress. The cover design is nearly final. Itโs time to ask people I respect for testimonials. Prepare the workbook. Gear up for the book launch.
And me? Iโm back on the high dive.
Iโm ready to jump, but not quite. At least this time, the voice is gentler.
โIs the manuscript good enough to be finalized?โ
โWill my book be well-received?โ
โHow do I ensure that the people who could benefit the most can find it?โ
Thereโs a lot to learn and new expertise to hire.
In the meantime, Iโm back on the edge. But this time I know whatโs happening.
I know how being on the edge stirs your insides; Iโve been here many times. Fear of all kinds, old physical patterns, old stories and narrativesโtheyโre all ready to visit just when you least need them.
Perhaps youโre experiencing this right now, too? Stepping out into the world with something new? Sharing a new idea at work? Making a new move? Engaging with new people?
I used to push through when I was on the edge. And, although I can still hear my voice saying โDive!โ โ now, as I take action, I also dive inward, reconnecting and caring for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Because I know that I am exactly where I should be and things are precisely as they should be, I can focus on getting comfortable with yet another new edge of growth. To master myself just that little bit more.
So Iโve buckled down again. These days involve more exercise, meditation, yoga, tuning into spiritual guidance, a better diet, a good nightโs sleep, and a more regular rhythm. They also include loads of outreach, connection, and learning.
Iโm overriding old narratives where needed, planting new storylines, plots, and happy endings. And, Iโm working hard to release my grip on the book, choosing instead to let go of the outcome. After all, no matter what my brain tells me, all my best efforts combined canโt control what lies ahead.
And you know what?
The better I feel, the more focused I am. The more focused I am, the clearer my head and heart are, and the more connected I am to my work. Then, the more easily I can reach out to get the advice I need, the learning I need, and build the plans to get โthere.โ And, with practice, the more I will continue to allow my book to flow into the world as intentionally and easily as its words poured out of me.
This is the dance.
Staying close to my Opus (my book and all the other priorities in my life that I hold dear), so I can engage with it, but also letting go and surrendering to it at the same time.
After all, my real goal isnโt just to release my book into the world with a positive impact, but to enjoy the ride and have fun while doing so.
Iโd love to hear from you. Where are you standing on the edge? What are you noticing, learning, or needing right now as you stretch? What practices help you feel grounded when things feel unsteady at the edge?
Just comment below or hit replyโI read and respond to every message.
Until next time, be well!
As always, thank you for being here. If this resonates with you, please share this letter with others who might benefit. Thank you!
๐ Want more? My book, Live Your Opusโa revolutionary mindset and method for achieving and sustaining healthy, meaningful successโis coming soon. Itโs for ambitious people who crave deeper meaning, fulfillment, and direction but sometimes struggle to break through. Itโs The Artistโs Way for the modern professional. Reserve your copy today.
๐ Subscribe to Live Your Opus, my weekly newsletter, here or on LinkedIn, and join 900+ people already redefining success on their terms.
Iโm obsessed with helping ambitious people reclaim their energy, find meaning, and create lasting success in life and business. Hereโs how I can help you, your team, or your organization to achieve success that feels even better than it looks:
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