My mind worries about everything.
For example, I’ve been dreaming of a trip up the coast to Big Sur, which I consider one of the most beautiful places on Earth. That’s my heart yearning for joy and adventure, a life of new experiences. But my mind? It has a different story. It whispers that if I go alone, I’ll be laughed at, judged for not having someone with me. It also warns me of the financial strain—what if I spend money on something unnecessary and end up broke, with nowhere to live?
This internal tug-of-war is familiar to many of us: the mind calculating and worrying about every decision, while the heart urges us to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace life more fully. Unfortunately, worry often wins. And so, my heart’s desires get suppressed.
Take yesterday, for instance: I was at the bank, and a woman working there smiled and greeted me. Sure, it’s her job, but my heart wanted to strike up a conversation to see if there was a spark. But worry crept in. What if she thought I was weird? What if I embarrassed myself? In the end, I walked away without saying a word.
These are just two examples, but they’re not isolated. Every day, we face this internal conflict. And I share these moments with you because I believe finding balance in our lives is essential. Balance is key.
Ignoring the heart’s desires in favor of the mind’s caution can lead to a dull, uninspiring existence. Life isn’t just about being safe and responsible—it’s about finding a balance. When we listen to our heart and embrace spontaneity, we discover a fuller, richer life.
Look, we all have responsibilities—work, bills, commitments—but where’s the life in all of that? There needs to be room for joy, freedom, and experiences beyond the grind.
The key lies in balancing the analytical mind with the adventurous heart. Yes, we need to take care of business, but we also need to make room for living. Harmony between the two creates a fuller, more meaningful life.
It comes down to how we use our minds. Are we owning our thoughts and actions, or are we letting worry dictate our lives? Are we taking steps toward what we truly want, or are we staying small, avoiding risk, and playing it safe?
Sometimes our minds trick us into staying in our comfort zones, thinking it's easier to stay small. But real growth happens when we push past that fear. We might fail, but failing forward is still progress.
This past year, for example, I committed to writing a blog every month for an entire year. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m proud to say I kept my word to myself. And that commitment has brought me a sense of accomplishment.
If we let worry control us, we’ll never go after what we truly want. If I’m afraid of rejection from a book agent, I’ll never reach out to one. And as a result, my life will remain small, constrained by my fears and uncertainties. A life lived in fear can feel sad and unfulfilled.
Remember, if nothing changes, then nothing changes. But if we take action, even small steps, we start to move in the direction of our dreams.
With the new year on the horizon, now is the time for growth and change. So, how will you put yourself out there in 2025? What’s one step you can take toward a life that’s more balanced, more adventurous, and more alive?
Happy New Year!
Love,
Zak