The One Where They Jump In
“We’re jumping in, feet first, 100%”
Do those words bring up any:
Fear?
Tension?
Excitement?
D. All of the above.
Our culture today likes to test the water first, look at dating apps or Yelp reviews, we want to KNOW it’s going to work out in at least one way we expect so that we aren’t met with total disappointment or rejection. I believe we all fear of being rejected, we go about how we deal with that fear differently, but we all feel it in one way or another. It is not bad to test the waters, I firmly think it’s useful. I used dating apps before which helped me avoid some very weird people & I use Yelp because no one enjoys showing up to a restaurant hoping for a carnitas breakfast burrito & finding out it’s a vegetarian join (just ask Joel about our 4th date).
About a month ago, some big decisions were made in Joel & I’s life - we had an incredible opportunity to move back to Nashville for a myriad of reasons, but at the same time, our life here had opened new opportunities for us as well. After discussing what it all would seem like on either side, the decision was made, we were going to stay in Austin.
We figured after 5 months of living in limbo where we might or might not leave, then finding out we ARE staying in ATX that we need to —
JUMP IN, FEET FIRST, 100%
So we did! We jumped into in relationships, into church, into the culture — & just after 3 weeks are amazed at how that has already changed our course for the better. We are finding fulfillment, joy, community, health, & new opportunities just because we laid our hands open & said we are all in.
I don’t know where you are right now, but I know fear can hold us back from beautiful things. It is vulnerable to jump & to be 100% in what you do — but there is a way to have boundaries with: work, relationships, friendships, etc & still find a way to show up 100%.
Vulnerability sounds like truth & feels like courage. Truth & courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.
— Brene Brown
It is courageous to jump in — again, don’t hear me wrong here, I am definitely not saying to jump blindly into new things that are ahead of you. Joel & I looked through lots of options, we prayed, we marinated in different scenarios, asked advice — but eventually, we had to decide. I know a lot of times we are afraid of making ‘the wrong decision’ (& yes those exist, don’t show up at a bar at 2 am to meet a random guy/girl for the first time) BUUUUT there isn’t always a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ decision. There are choices given to us out of goodness.
I personally believe in God, & I think a lot of Christians hang on this idea when choices are presented. I went to a mentor I had in college with a decision I needed to make & said, “I just want to make the right decision". He looked at me, smiled, & said,
“Olivia, this specifically is not a right or wrong decision — there is right and wrong in His Word, but you know that. Then there are choices given to us because He loves to let us choose out of our own free will — some decisions He gives to us out of His goodness.”
Honestly, being 19 years old, I had never stepped back to view it that way. Since then it’s been so clear to see the difference between the obvious 'don’t do that' & then the ones where it’s our choice. How BEAUTIFUL is it that we have the CHOICE?! There are times when we will not have a choice, where it will be a ‘have to’ situation, so give thanks for the times where choice is abundant.
When you come to place where you have taken the steps & have chosen what you’re going to do — commit. I know that is scary for a lot of people out there in today’s world. We love everything until we have to commit. Commitment means bringing that 100% to the table & jumping in. That means we have a 100% chance of getting hurt. It’s true.
Vulnerability is a risk that we take to GAIN.
To gain true community — to gain depth in relationships (friends, family, romantic) — to gain new heights in our career — to gain growth in our identity — to gain health in our minds & bodies — & so much more . . .
It is SO worth it to risk.
Don’t jump in blindly - ask for wisdom & discernment.
Seek counsel from those who trust their wisdom & who know you.
Then commit.
Jump in, feet first, 100%
I think you will be surprised by what comes out of different areas in your life as you learn to be vulnerable & risk. I know I was :)