I often refer to an insightful book entitled “The Answer To How Is Yes” by Peter Block (the title itself speaks volumes). Block says we should identify and commit to acting on our heart’s deeply felt needs and desires before we ask the ‘how’ questions.
When I think back to hiking Machu Picchu, I remember looking at the initially daunting peak… and then seeing and feeling like I was already there, at the peak, before I’d figured out exactly how I’d get there. I saw it one day and climbed it the next…
Sure, I still had to find a guide, agree on a time, fit my water supplies, first aid kit, snacks and camera into a small backpack, etc. etc.
However, those were just details – I had already said “Yes”.
Had I started with “How long will it take?”, “How much energy do I need to have?”, “How will I do this alone, without my sisters or friends” and “How many others make it to the top, anyway?” I would not have made a move!
“How” can immobilize you if asked too soon – the best answer to “how?” is often “Yes!”
What mattered was that I really wanted to experience the “heart chakra of the earth.” So I did.
But not everything has been as “easy”. Not everything has felt as much in my control as that particular decision.
I have recently climbed another mountain, but one that has been several years in the making.
The Practice of Life® (PoL) program was conceived many years ago. And now, after continued thought and research, becoming a HeartMath® certified trainer and (most importantly) a series of candid one-on-one conversations and focus groups with the very people I am here to serve, we are steps away from the first cohort.
I also realised I wanted to create a registered trademark for it, which is one of the more recent steps in getting PoL ready… Now, this can seem a big and sometimes complicated mountain to climb for small business owners.
Yes, it’s important that we claim and protect our ideas as best we can, however many of us avoid what that entails because it does take time and money to do so… But I knew it mattered to me.
I did the research and found the perfect attorney Deborah C. Mortimer. And with her support, the MPS team dug through the layers of homework.
And then came the waiting game.
And no matter how often you are warned, somehow, it always feels longer than you anticipated.
Last month we achieved our goal, we’re still celebrating! One more mountain climbed on the way to the big launch.
Whatever approach your path needs, first, ‘be there’, at the top of the mountain, from right where you are!
Then, if it matters enough, sometimes you should leap first.
Say “Yes!” and confidently do what you must!
