The other day after a 19-mile walk, I just HAD to get in the ocean. Only surfers were out, and not even very many of them, but still, I just HAD to get wet. Yes, the water was cold; my feet were slowly turning into Popsicles. But still I HAD to get wet.

Now writing this, I realize that the ocean can be a very dangerous place. I live in Hawaii, and unfortunately, drownings occur much more frequently than we like to admit. SO I’m NOT advocating getting into the ocean when you don’t know the conditions, area, how to swim … but think of this as a metaphor. Sometimes it’s just RIGHT to listen to your intuition (always, really : ). YOU know your own little voice that guides you, pushes you to go for it. But more commonly (and unfortunately), it seems that people are guided by fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what others will think. Fear of looking silly or being uncool. But the only “real” uncool, I think, IS listening to that voice of fear.

So the next time your little voice says, “Hey, you CAN do it!” believe it! Your voice only has your best interest at heart. If in doubt, ASK. “What’s the highest good for me and every one I meet.” Open your mind, I think you’ll love the messages you receive by way of your intuition, an unexpected opportunity, a surprise gift (thanks Sharon : ).

Yes. Sometimes it’s just plain time to go for it. To get your feet wet. To be the only one doing something.

That’s part of what this walk for ASL has meant to me. I’m not deaf. I’m an “outsider” of the deaf community. And yet, my heart practically leapt out of my chest when I heard about the walk. My voice was telling me to go for it. To trust it that it was the right thing for me to do.

They graciously accepted me into their group. Perhaps with doubts and trepidation; I don’t know. But I feel I gained their respect when they saw that I meant it. That I really do want to learn ASL. That I really do value their unique culture.

But you know what? Even if they had remained reticent to my participation, it just wouldn’t have mattered. As long as I’m listening to my heart, my little voice, I know I’m doing what’s “right” for me.

So, the next time your little voice speaks up and challenges you to go for it, what are you going to do? Listen? Heed the call? Or sit back down with your tail between your legs.

It’s your call. No one else will even know you got a message. That’s the point. It’s all about YOU and YOUR dreams. Regardless what you decide. I’ll cheer you on. I’ll high five anyone who at least takes the time to listen and give it some thought. The rest is up to you.

-Sj out
: )

p.s. Thanks Ken for the distant spy cam shots!