I actually shared this somewhere else a few years ago.  Even though one person told me I should be arrested by the cliche police, I decided to share it anyway because most people who read it seemed to like it.   So…if you’re not afraid of cliches, read on…

Do things that make you nervous. It’s a lie that you CAN’T do it, or that you can’t do it RIGHT NOW. It’s a lie that later in a few hours, days, weeks, months it will be easier. NEWS FLASH—It will NEVER be any easier.

You are able-bodied, a lot of people are not. You are already a leg-up on a lot of people (no pun intended). They would trade you in a second.

You want something? Make it begin to happen now! There is always a way. Always you ask? Yes. Always.   Haven’t you seen RUDY or The Pursuit of Happyness?  If you haven’t you should.

In the olden days when people had a problem, they sat down and figured something out. They planned and attacked. They put into motion a new plan, a new strategy.

You CAN do it, and it IS worth the effort. You don’t have to wait for anything or anyone to make a move first. Just DO what you know you should do. Force yourself if you have to. Strike while the iron is hot.

Lives are meant to be enjoyed. If you are not enjoying your life…that’s a problem worth solving. You need to change the circumstances so that you CAN enjoy your life. That may mean total upheaval or a tiny change. If it means you’ll be satisfied with yourself when you’re done, do it. You have an obligation to be your BEST self for those who love and depend on you.

Let me tell you something I have learned from my personal experience. If you wait for every circumstance to be just right before you make your move, you won’t get to do much.

Behave in a positive constructive way despite how you feel. We can’t just let our feelings call the shots. Control yourself. So what if it’s hard. Turns out, doing hard things is not actually that hard. If you don’t believe me, just ask me.

There must be 50 ways to leave your old life. Just get a new plan Stan. Hop on a bus Gus. Drop of the key Lee and get yourself free. *

Show yourself that you are capable. Take a step into the darkness; someone will be there to turn on the light.
Here are my final parting words.  Do things you’re sure you can’t do.  Get comfortable in your own skin–whatever that may mean to you. Get some professional help to get over it.

Make yourself proud by doing anything you thought you couldn’t or wouldn’t.

When you take action, even if that doesn’t make everything right immediately, at least you know that today, you are doing all you can to change it for your future.

*Special Thanks to Paul Simon for this line.