The secret of getting ahead is getting started. Mark Twain

For many of us the problem does not lie in accomplishing the task at hand, but it getting started in the first place. Oh, we may justify our reluctance by saying the time isn't right, we aren't prepared or that the world is not ready for us yet. The truth is: we are lying to ourselves.

To reach our dreams and goals, we must get down to the business of starting. Yesterday, I posted about my experience of wallowing in a bit of self pity and being jousted out of bed with a voice that seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere, exhorting me me to "get out that bed!"  You can read about that in yesterday's post. The important part is: I did get out of bed -- and I got started.

For me, the dream is to secure paying work writing about the things I love. Right now, that is wrought with challenges for many online writers. If you are writer, you already understand -- if you are not, suffice it to say that the face of online writing is changing, forcing writers to change as well.

Once I got down to the business of starting by making a few simple contacts, amazing things began to happen. Interesting work appeared when I least expected it.

If you, like many of us, are still spending your time mulling over your dreams, it is time to get started. Step out in faith -- you may find pleasant surprises where you least expect them.

Today, I am grateful for new-found work, for the courage to step out on foreign land and the energy to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for opportunities yet to come my way, for the ability to touch the lives of others and for those who have helped me along the way. 

I am grateful for the rain that washes the world clean, for sound of raindrops that will lull me to sleep and for warm, fall weather that delays the winter cold. 

I am grateful for good books to read, cozy slipper to wear and plants that breathe life into my room. I am grateful for music to soothe the soul, candles to scent the air and cool water to quench my thirst. 

I am grateful for family and friends without who my life would be incomplete. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you summon up the courage to start today -- as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Keeping the faith is easy when all things work together as they should, but for many of us, when things get difficult, our faith begins to waiver. I've been waivering lately. Not because I don't have faith, exactly --  but because I am not sure of the direction I should go. 


As many of you know, I am a writer by trade. Recent situations have arisen where my main source of writing income has suddenly dwindled. This has forced me outside my comfortable bubble in search of meaningful and profitable work. 


I tell you all this, not because I want your sympathy -- but because it leads me to today's quote. 


After yet another blow to my livelihood as a writer -- which I won't go into here -- I checked my mail to see if I had any responses from the many leads I have followed. In frustration over the empty mailbox and the lack of immediate prospects, I settled myself down for a nap. 


When I awoke, I didn't jump out of bed to get to work, but instead mumbled "What's the use?" and turned my face to the wall.


Suddenly -- out of nowhere -- the phrase "Oh ye of little faith, get out of that bed." echoed through my thoughts. 


Needless to say, I obeyed. I'm not sure what is in store for me or the direction my life as a writer will take -- but I am sure that something wonderful awaits me right around the corner.


May you cultivate faith today as you strive to reach your dreams and goals.

Today, I am grateful for the starry sky, the brilliant moon and for the soft rustle of wind in the trees. I am grateful for the melody of my wind chimes, a lone dog barking in the distance and the soft damp air. 

I am grateful for my daughter as she works tirelessly on her studies knowing that they are the key to where she wants to go, for my son who has grown into a responsible and caring adult and my husband who is always there to support me. 

I am grateful for brothers and sisters who helped make me who I am, for parents who built my foundation and for friends along the way who have helped determine my path. 

I am grateful for opportunity to touch the lives of others with my words, for the luxury of a warm home, clean clothes and healthy food to eat. 

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you have the faith of a mustard seed, today  -- as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.