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.