MIND THE GAP
- michelleausten
- Oct 9, 2013
- 2 min read
I LOVE travel. Small things always stick with you. Today I remembered the saying “Mind the Gap”.
More than a few years ago, on a trip to London, England, was where I first heard the saying “Mind the Gap”.
“Mind the Gap” is a warning to train passengers to take caution while crossing the gap between the train door and the station platform. The voice played over and over again. The message was clear. Pay attention.
The voice did not say “Do not Cross” or “Stay on your side of the line”. It just reminded you to be mindful when you cross.
It is hard to step on the train with one foot. The end result would be a physical disaster. Split in two- not a pretty sight.
Yet in my life the things I really LOVE, I carefully place one foot in. Soon, I begin to feel split in two. Trying to be the best at everything ( gift and curse of a perfectionist) eventually not doing anything well and feeling drained and frustrated. The other foot I leave in familiar territory, my comfort zone. The place I know well. Even when this place is no longer serving me, I feel safe here. This split causes me great suffering. It is hard to be pulled in many directions.
This summer I spent a few days alone in Victoria, wondering what I was doing there. Reminding myself that I was there to take time for me. So I sat on a rock for 4 hours in contemplation. With an amazing view of the ocean.
I realized that I needed to JUMP. Both feet in! What would that feel like?
As a child swinging off a rope into a safe pond-Jumping is exhilarating! As an adult with responsibilities and preconceived ideas of what is right and accepted…the thought scares the crap out of me…Yet I suffer. Complain…excuses, always excuses…all to familiar with this pattern. Not going there. I realize to end the suffering I need to jump into my life fully committed. Good thing I was wearing my purple favorite Nikes. JUST DO IT.
It was in that moment that I decided to just step fully into my authentic life. Stop hanging on to the edge. Let go. Be Clear-Set my intentions. Be my own captain. Steer my ship.
Mind the Gap. Eventually to get to your destination you must step on the train. With BOTH feet. It is not that scary when you have someone to walk with. We can lean on each other.
Let’s walk together….
Michelle
“There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it’s easy.” ~ Unknown
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