“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.” –George Bernard Shaw
As you may have noticed, I’m a huge movie buff. It’s largely because most films chronicle a hero’s journey, taking a character through all stages of transformation.
There’s recognition of the need to change, there’s fear, there’s resistance, there’s encouragement, there’s struggle, there’s redemption, and in the end, there’s rebirth, and a sense that things will keep getting better.
Recently I noticed something about the way I experience movies: I generally end a film with a strong desire to do what the main character has done.
After I saw Dolphin Tale, I dreamed about spending time with dolphins. After I saw We Bought a Zoo, I imagined life would expand in amazing ways if I, too, could own a zoo. And after I saw The Big Year, I seriously considered bird watching, even though I’ve always believed this hobby to be as exciting as watching paint dry.
What I realized is that it’s not these specific hobbies I want (though I do, in fact, love animals)—it’s the passion, connection, and growth the characters experience as a result of undertaking them.
I think that’s what we all want: we want to feel alive. We want to feel like part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to care about something that excites us, intrigues us, and challenges us to reach deep down and be the people we know we can be.
In many ways, Tiny Buddha provides that for me, as your blog may for you, if you have one as well.
But even though technology provides us with the opportunity to connect with more people than ever before, there is no replacement for hand-to-hand engagement and experience in the world.
There is no journey like the one we take together, literally step by step, outside our doors, out of our heads, and guided by our hearts.
I don’t know yet what I want beyond the world of written words.
Maybe you don’t know where you’re going either, and maybe that’s okay. Maybe we don’t need to have an exact plan. We just need to know we want to start that journey—to wade into a world of discovery prepared for all the excitement and uncertainty that come with doing and growing.
Today I’m taking a tiny step by researching yoga teacher training. What small step can you take today to create new possibilities?
Photo by soham_pablo
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others do the same. She recently created the Breaking Barriers to Self-Care eCourse to help people overcome internal blocks to meeting their needs—so they can feel their best, be their best, and live their best possible life. If you’re ready to start thriving instead of merely surviving, you can learn more and get instant access here.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 