When you become aware that there is something new out there for you, some new place to be, or a new way of living; when a new project beckons you, tantalisingly from the edges of your consciousness, but you don’t know where to begin.

When you see that you might be healthier, wiser, kinder if you chose differently.

When you remember that life can be exciting and there are new things to learn, new places to discover, new experiences to have.

When you ask after that new thing that is calling you: What are you? What is it that is wanted of me? How could this life of mine be different; how might it be better?' When curiosity rises in you.

When that project that you have always wanted to begin, but have never known how, keeps whispering to you fom the sidelines. When you have heard that voice for years and you still haven't started.

Just begin.

When your old friend Fear stands in your way, blocking the path and tells you that you are safe where you are now; what you have is enough and who are you to think that you could ever do this new thing, this new project of yours.

Even then, just begin.

Your fears try to keep you safe by keeping things the same; but your fears are getting in your way.

Then comes Procrastination. Think of all of the things you need to do before you can begin: you need to clear things away; you need to build things up; you need more knowledge; you need to be ever so slightly different (slimmer, fitter, smarter, braver, less tired, more financially secure).

Look closer: Procrastination is only fear in disguise.

Everything begins inside of us: it is an inkling, an instinct, a desire. But it must move from our heads to our hearts to our hands if anything is to be made of it.

You plant a bulb in the winter and you can't imagine that from that hopeless looking, dried out thing, will come the most encouraging growth, the most beautiful colour, just when you need to see it at the cold beginning of next Spring.

One word
One stitch
One step
One phone call
One click of the mouse
One conversation where you admit your secret plans to a beloved friend

We already know we're not in it for the glory; we're in it for the love; we're in it because we are in the habit of tuning in to what is wanted of us and we're committed to using the unique gifts that we have been given, because, well, that's what they were given to us for.

I'm not talking about other people's gifts (some people have such intimidating gifts and that can be discouraging); I'm talking about your gifts and mine; our small gifts to use and share and relish in our own small communities. I never did want to stand up in front of the whole world, did you? I wanted to do my own beloved little thing here, in the place where I live among the people who make me happy.

Don't get waylaid any more. Now you know that you want to begin, begin.