Before my recent Job promotion was offered to me my supervisor talked to me first. She wanted to make sure me and my coworker wanted to take this leap. At 63 years old I honestly felt like I was not sure but I decided yes to take that leap and I am glad I did! So far it has all been good. I love the challenge. She knew we were ready even if we were unsure!!
The last time I took a leap of faith was with my new roommate. I did not want her to move in and she had told me that she had been in trouble with the law, multiple times. I was freaked out and wanted to do anything I could to leave. I didn’t want a stranger in my space and I was also somewhat scared of her, frankly. Once I realized it would be a pain in the ass to leave, I tried desperately to change my mindset so that we would be able to live together without issues. I began asking her questions and being more open-minded to hear her stories and the things she has gone through. I think this was a big learning opportunity for me because I was prepared to hate her, and realistically, I didn’t. We are very different people and we will never be best friends, but I can learn a lot from her and I think she can learn some things from me too. This is all very recent, and obviously, things can change very quickly, but I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to make this girl feel more comfortable in our now shared room. I can learn a lot from the people who are the most dissimilar to myself and being open-minded is incredibly important for me to be cognisant of now.
I was about to say “It’s been far too long: when I realized that even the small things count. I really was dreading the large family Thanksgiving gathering because I was afraid I’d end up the pathetic little old lady in the corner. Instead, as I think I have shared here, the young people valued my presence, and I felt wrapped in love and had an unexpected level of energy.
The last big leap of faith was some years ago. Already well into my sixties, I accepted an invitation to be part of the core faculty that established a two-year college in Puerto Rico – a clone of the CUNY college where I taught part time. It was literally a leap of faith – I prayed earnestly for guidance. It turned out to be one of my best years, professionally and personally. And my husband, my dog, my house and my consulting practice all survived the one-year hiatus. In fact, the separation strengthened our marriage, which was going through a rough patch at the time. (We talked frequently by phone and visited about once a month, some of the trips paid by the University and some by us.)
I took a leap of faith a year ago when I left a company I worked at for 14 years with a reputation to join another company. I moved because I didn’t want to get too comfortable or stagnant. Well I was laid off yesterday along with 10 others and now I will need to take another leap of faith when God points me in the direction I should leap. I’m scared and unsettled but trusting that the next adventure will be better for me.
I feel like everyday is a leap of faith especially now as I am faced with many decisions to make regarding a change in my living situation. I am trying to embrace this “change” with love & acceptance. Trying very very hard to tamp down fear of the unknown (a trait instilled in me at a very young age). 🙏🏻❤️
I have been taking leaps of faith for the last year travelling to three different countries to do this meditation retreat! Stockholm, Berlin, and London to test out truth. This leap of faith has been worth everything! I am so grateful and blessed. I still can’t believe there is an actual method to finding the truth within us ! I have enlightened more and more by using the method of discarding. Letting go has become so much easier and life has become joyful and I am happier than I have been in I can’t remember when!
I’ve never been a “faith” kinda guy.
And not really a leaper either.
Now, having said that, I am willing to
give something a try. I do like to say
“yes”. I am trying to stop the reflexive
“no”. Instead of faith, I would rather say
“willingness”, or “surrender”.
This may just be my insecurities,
But, leaps of faith should only be
attempted when you have a safety net.
The one that comes to mind is almost exactly 7 years ago when I applied for the position I now have. It was a newly created leadership position in a large agency, starting a new division–something I hadn’t done before but believed I could do. Applying for this position meant passing up on applying for a different position in the nonprofit world–the timelines didn’t align so it was one or the other. I made the right choice and have been doing work I believe in and making a difference.
A different kind of leap: Signing my husband and I up for a multi-day bike tour riding from Pittsburgh to DC on the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. We did that the same year I started the new job. Although I use bikes for transportation, I had never ridden that much mileage day after day. I had broken my elbow and then got a frozen shoulder the year before, so training for this ride meant both taking care and expecting more of my body. It was demanding and wonderful and very wet on a few of the days; we may have caught the tail end of Tropical Storm Nate. (http://bikestylespokane.com/2017/10/06/prepping-packing-shopping-time-big-bike-tour/ is the first in a series of blog posts if you want to ride down my memory lane.)
Both of these were challenges that inspired me to do more. Thanks for the question and the chance to revisit some great memories.
I cannot remember a recent leap of faith….but 20 years ago I left my life…my world in NY and moved to W.V. to marry a man that I had known for about 6 months. I followed my heart and my faith in him….it was a good decision!
I echo what someone else said that every day is a leap. My husband is going through an unknown medical issue and the path is uncertain at this time. I start the day asking for guidance for me, as caregiver, him as care receiver, and the medical support staff we are dealing with for helpful guidance.
I took leap of faith by contacting some friends and engaging them on a new idea that I have for improving our lives through active planning, friendship, and accountability.
Today in the morning after rising when awareness arose after the very painful mirroring of a fixed inner perspective, possibly personality trait, a “must” related to responsibility and availability according to my inner set standards, (and as well according to the once needed and subconsciously self- chosen “tool” to survive), allowing to look at it from a kind of position of a compassionate observer. It was surprising and a completely unexpected solution to the acute despair I felt before. It enabled to loosen the inner grip, and whatever arises from this, it frees. Deeply grateful for this process, and deeply grateful towards the ones who again offered their support and love in order to become aware of it. With a deep bow, and deep gratitude, Thank you from my heart.
Admitting myself to a 14-day in patient program at an addiction rehab center. Things have worked out for the best. In a roundabout way that is how I discovered Brother David and this wonderful place of wisdom and reflection.
I appreciate what Laura wrote regarding each day being a leap of faith. The first thing that came to my mind was entering a 30 mile mountain bike race the fall of 2022. There have been many since of course, but I took what I think was an unusual approach to my training and experience, and it continues to influence me way beyond bike riding today.
I would appreciate seeing a follow-up question to today’s question, which is « what did you learn or teach yourself through this leap of faith? ».
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Before my recent Job promotion was offered to me my supervisor talked to me first. She wanted to make sure me and my coworker wanted to take this leap. At 63 years old I honestly felt like I was not sure but I decided yes to take that leap and I am glad I did! So far it has all been good. I love the challenge. She knew we were ready even if we were unsure!!
The last time I took a leap of faith was with my new roommate. I did not want her to move in and she had told me that she had been in trouble with the law, multiple times. I was freaked out and wanted to do anything I could to leave. I didn’t want a stranger in my space and I was also somewhat scared of her, frankly. Once I realized it would be a pain in the ass to leave, I tried desperately to change my mindset so that we would be able to live together without issues. I began asking her questions and being more open-minded to hear her stories and the things she has gone through. I think this was a big learning opportunity for me because I was prepared to hate her, and realistically, I didn’t. We are very different people and we will never be best friends, but I can learn a lot from her and I think she can learn some things from me too. This is all very recent, and obviously, things can change very quickly, but I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone to make this girl feel more comfortable in our now shared room. I can learn a lot from the people who are the most dissimilar to myself and being open-minded is incredibly important for me to be cognisant of now.
I was about to say “It’s been far too long: when I realized that even the small things count. I really was dreading the large family Thanksgiving gathering because I was afraid I’d end up the pathetic little old lady in the corner. Instead, as I think I have shared here, the young people valued my presence, and I felt wrapped in love and had an unexpected level of energy.
The last big leap of faith was some years ago. Already well into my sixties, I accepted an invitation to be part of the core faculty that established a two-year college in Puerto Rico – a clone of the CUNY college where I taught part time. It was literally a leap of faith – I prayed earnestly for guidance. It turned out to be one of my best years, professionally and personally. And my husband, my dog, my house and my consulting practice all survived the one-year hiatus. In fact, the separation strengthened our marriage, which was going through a rough patch at the time. (We talked frequently by phone and visited about once a month, some of the trips paid by the University and some by us.)
Not so much a leap – perhaps more of a directional shuffle or stumble, as I contemplate giving up paid employment …
I took a leap of faith a year ago when I left a company I worked at for 14 years with a reputation to join another company. I moved because I didn’t want to get too comfortable or stagnant. Well I was laid off yesterday along with 10 others and now I will need to take another leap of faith when God points me in the direction I should leap. I’m scared and unsettled but trusting that the next adventure will be better for me.
I feel like everyday is a leap of faith especially now as I am faced with many decisions to make regarding a change in my living situation. I am trying to embrace this “change” with love & acceptance. Trying very very hard to tamp down fear of the unknown (a trait instilled in me at a very young age). 🙏🏻❤️
I have been taking leaps of faith for the last year travelling to three different countries to do this meditation retreat! Stockholm, Berlin, and London to test out truth. This leap of faith has been worth everything! I am so grateful and blessed. I still can’t believe there is an actual method to finding the truth within us ! I have enlightened more and more by using the method of discarding. Letting go has become so much easier and life has become joyful and I am happier than I have been in I can’t remember when!
I’ve never been a “faith” kinda guy.
And not really a leaper either.
Now, having said that, I am willing to
give something a try. I do like to say
“yes”. I am trying to stop the reflexive
“no”. Instead of faith, I would rather say
“willingness”, or “surrender”.
This may just be my insecurities,
But, leaps of faith should only be
attempted when you have a safety net.
Thank you, Charlie,
The one that comes to mind is almost exactly 7 years ago when I applied for the position I now have. It was a newly created leadership position in a large agency, starting a new division–something I hadn’t done before but believed I could do. Applying for this position meant passing up on applying for a different position in the nonprofit world–the timelines didn’t align so it was one or the other. I made the right choice and have been doing work I believe in and making a difference.
A different kind of leap: Signing my husband and I up for a multi-day bike tour riding from Pittsburgh to DC on the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. We did that the same year I started the new job. Although I use bikes for transportation, I had never ridden that much mileage day after day. I had broken my elbow and then got a frozen shoulder the year before, so training for this ride meant both taking care and expecting more of my body. It was demanding and wonderful and very wet on a few of the days; we may have caught the tail end of Tropical Storm Nate. (http://bikestylespokane.com/2017/10/06/prepping-packing-shopping-time-big-bike-tour/ is the first in a series of blog posts if you want to ride down my memory lane.)
Both of these were challenges that inspired me to do more. Thanks for the question and the chance to revisit some great memories.
I cannot remember a recent leap of faith….but 20 years ago I left my life…my world in NY and moved to W.V. to marry a man that I had known for about 6 months. I followed my heart and my faith in him….it was a good decision!
Nannette, from your reflections on these pages, it does seem that it was an excellent decision.
I echo what someone else said that every day is a leap. My husband is going through an unknown medical issue and the path is uncertain at this time. I start the day asking for guidance for me, as caregiver, him as care receiver, and the medical support staff we are dealing with for helpful guidance.
Sending you energy and acceptance, Yram.
I took leap of faith by contacting some friends and engaging them on a new idea that I have for improving our lives through active planning, friendship, and accountability.
Today in the morning after rising when awareness arose after the very painful mirroring of a fixed inner perspective, possibly personality trait, a “must” related to responsibility and availability according to my inner set standards, (and as well according to the once needed and subconsciously self- chosen “tool” to survive), allowing to look at it from a kind of position of a compassionate observer. It was surprising and a completely unexpected solution to the acute despair I felt before. It enabled to loosen the inner grip, and whatever arises from this, it frees. Deeply grateful for this process, and deeply grateful towards the ones who again offered their support and love in order to become aware of it. With a deep bow, and deep gratitude, Thank you from my heart.
Dear Ose I am happy that you find a new perspective, so that you can look at yourself “as a compassionate observer”.
Keep on, and take care!
Thrilled for this moment of grace bestowed on you! Thanks for describing it so poignantly.
Admitting myself to a 14-day in patient program at an addiction rehab center. Things have worked out for the best. In a roundabout way that is how I discovered Brother David and this wonderful place of wisdom and reflection.
That took a lot of courage, dear Joseph! I am so happy for you that your faith and this program was positive.
I appreciate what Laura wrote regarding each day being a leap of faith. The first thing that came to my mind was entering a 30 mile mountain bike race the fall of 2022. There have been many since of course, but I took what I think was an unusual approach to my training and experience, and it continues to influence me way beyond bike riding today.
I would appreciate seeing a follow-up question to today’s question, which is « what did you learn or teach yourself through this leap of faith? ».