From the ground up, I did a thing this week.

I did a thing this week. After a two-year hiatus, I finally pressed record again on my podcast. I had to record new intros for some powerful, evergreen conversations I captured for season one. Truth be told, my reasons for the long delay could be perceived as legitimate. A cross-country move, changing jobs twice, marriage, parenting a toddler, and building a new home really took it out of me.

Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not complaining; I’m just stating the fact that my schedule was a bit overcommitted, and beneath the surface of all that movement was an undercurrent of faith, self-doubt, and a longing to be at rest.

Related: Perfectionism is not excellence: Why starting over works

I’m sure we will get into the nitty-gritty details in due time, but suffice it to say that I was able to find that rest. I was able to catch my breath.

I’m looking forward to releasing the remaining episodes of ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson, and I’m hoping you are as inspired as I am as I listen to the gems all of my guests were so gracious to drop on us.

Starting over again, from the ground up

While this is a continuation of my inaugural season, it feels like I’m starting from the ground up – all over again. On one hand, it can be a good thing. I’m approaching my work with fresh eyes, renewed hands, and an open heart. On the other hand, I feel like I have to confront the undercurrent once again.

If I’m honest, the pessimistic voice whispering in my ear is saying, “Here you go again” “You’re just starting something you won’t finish.” I can hear it going on and on about how “This will never be as ‘big’ or ‘successful’ as I envisioned it to be.”

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The funny thing is that could be true. The truth of the matter is that only God knows the future, and he has me on a need-to-know basis while I’m working in the trenches from the ground up. And, clearly, I don’t need to know right now. The result of me overcoming my own self-doubt could result in a “bigger” or “more successful” outcome. Or what if it’s just me writing this blog in the comfort of my home after I tucked my daughter in for the night, and you are the only person who will read this? The result is the same. I chose to listen to the voice that matters.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, I feel like I can hear my best, future self calling me from the distance. It’s encouraging me to walk in the grace that’s already been afforded to me. In the here and now, I am loved. I am more than enough. I have what it takes to face whatever lies ahead.

Let this be an encouragement to you. In the here and now, you are loved. You are more than enough. And you have what it takes to face whatever lies ahead of you.

Don’t hesitate. Start from where you are today. Even if you are starting from the ground up.

If you are reading this far…

I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. You can also subscribe to my mailing list to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox or check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson, for more conversation.