Long Journeys

I have heard over and over the almost trite saying "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."  I disagree.  Long before I ever move the first muscle to make that first step, I have agonized over all the possible outcomes, consequences, pros and cons of making that journey.  What if I make it?  What if I fail?  What if I realize too late that this choice has taken me farther from the destination I truly desire?

I have to deliberately ask myself, "What if I DON'T try?"  In my over-analysis and what-ifs, I generally overlook that fundamental question.   In an abstract way, I know why I (and so many others) hesitate:  it is fear.  Fear of the unknown leads us all to hesitate, to pull back, and, ultimately, to give up on so many things.

So, I ask myself. "What do I want to be/do/have 3 years from now, 5 years, 10 years?"  I also have to also ask myself, "What will I be/do/have in 10 years if I don't?"  The answer is crushingly simple:  10 years older with 10 more years of regrets.