Taking the Leap
“Leap, and the net will appear.”
Today I finalized a decision that represents a giant leap into the unknown.
It was, until recently, unthinkable, and now the gravity of the moment is sinking in. I left my eponymous firm, which once represented my identity and professional accomplishments. I said goodbyes to my clients; I gave hugs to my employees; I tearfully signed paperwork ending a decade-long partnership with someone I had thought would be my business partner forever.
Over recent months, I found it difficult to perform at the level I expected of myself, due to an injury and a shift in my interests. My responsibilities had become draining, and the partnership vision no longer matched my personal sense of purpose.
Taking the leap has been both frightening and liberating. I spent weeks weighing my options, and I still do not have a clear path forward. However, I understand that staying for comfort or fear would have been a greater risk. I noticed how my passion faded, and I recognized the negative impact on my family life and my own well-being. Walking away allows me to explore new ideas that feel energizing and relevant.
Burroughs’ thought about leaping first and trusting that a net will appear is truly scary. I trust that by acting on my instincts, I can discover fresh possibilities and connections. Even without a concrete plan, I feel a sense of relief, as though I have stepped toward authenticity. I do not know where this path will lead, but my decision to leave a familiar environment and embrace the unknown is the beginning of a new chapter. I feel renewed energy for the projects, ventures, and experiences I might now pursue.
[Burroughs, John. Bird Stories from Burroughs. Grosset & Dunlap, 1911.]