You’re Not Behind — You’re One Brave Step Away
- Jade Twombly, NTP
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
What is holding you back from going after something that’s important to you?
Pause for a moment and really answer that. Are you afraid you will be judged? Are you hiding behind the excuse that you want it to be perfect, so you aren't ready yet? Is it the belief that you don’t have enough time or money? Is it waiting for the “right” season of life?
I have personally let judgment, perfectionism, and excuses hold me back time and time again. But, if I’m honest, what keeps me awake at night is this: we get one shot at this life. One chance to experience it in this body, in this season, in this moment. And strangely — that temporary nature of life is what makes it so beautiful.
The Discomfort of Growth
One of my deepest values is growth. However, growth is uncomfortable. It stretches you beyond the identity you’ve known. It challenges your routines. It exposes your fears. It asks you to be seen before you feel polished. But discomfort does not mean you are doing it wrong. Discomfort means you are expanding.
In holistic health, we often talk about the nervous system. Your body craves safety and familiarity. So when you step toward something new — launching a business, changing your habits, speaking up, applying for the job — your system interprets that unfamiliarity as risk.
That flutter in your chest?
That urge to procrastinate?
That spiral of overthinking?
That’s not failure. That’s biology. And here’s the powerful truth: Action shifts your mental state. And your mental state shifts your physical state.
An imperfect effort still creates forward motion. When you move, your brain gathers evidence that you are capable. When you act, your nervous system slowly learns that growth is survivable. You don’t need perfect confidence. You need small, brave movement.
Stop Giving the Wrong People a Vote
One of the biggest things that keeps people stuck is the fear of judgment. But let’s reframe something important: People who are not in the arena with you do not get a vote. If someone is not taking risks, building something, stretching themselves, or daring greatly — they don’t get to determine whether you should.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start quietly. You don’t have to announce it. You don’t have to explain it. You don’t have to justify it. Just begin and let your results speak later.
A few years ago, I went skiing... Growing up in Vermont, we all learned to ski as kids, but when I was in seventh grade, I broke my arm while learning to snowboard. It sucked, and since then, I hadn't been on the slopes. However, after a difficult breakup, I felt lost and knew I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone.
So, I took a ski lesson and went alone. I only told one friend and my parents (in case something went horribly wrong), and I learned. The universe provided to me a personal ski lesson at a group price because no one else showed up. It was so uncomfortable. I was afraid of people making fun of me. It was scary, but I did it.
What's the point of this story?
I learned, I stretched myself, and I didn't let anyone else in on the secret of what I was doing because I felt embarrassed to be from Vermont but not know how to ski. Now I can proudly tell others that I can ski, and I can choose to go anytime I want (when I have child care). YOU CAN MAKE CHOICES LIKE THIS TOO!
You Are Not Behind
Comparison is loud right now. Social media makes it feel like everyone else is ahead. But here’s what I want you to hear clearly: You are not behind. You are not late. You are not failing. You are on your timeline.
Starting imperfectly is not evidence that you’re incapable. It’s evidence that you’re courageous.
There will never be a perfect moment. There will never be total certainty. There will never be a version of you that feels 100% ready. But there can be a version of you this week who chooses one thing — just one — and moves forward.
Send the email.
Apply for the thing.
Start the program.
Post the video.
Have the conversation.
Take the walk.
Cook the meal.
Small action compounds. And every time you act despite fear, you reinforce a new identity: someone who does hard things.
Your Gentle Challenge
This week, choose one thing that matters to you. Not ten. Not a full life overhaul. Just one. Move forward with it — imperfectly. Because imperfect action is brave. Imperfect action rewires you. Imperfect action builds momentum. And momentum builds a life you’re proud of. You only get one beautiful, temporary life.
Don’t wait to feel ready to start living it.
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