The Simple Joy of Action

So, I've been talking about taking action recently - the need to act on my wants and desires. Well, I thought I would not just talk about it - I'd do it. I have a friend who lives a good 3 hours away by car. I've been wanting to call him to connect and to suggest that I come to visit when I am in his area soon. Ok, so I know that sounds a fairly easy thing to do, but for me it is actually quite difficulty. The desire has been running through my mind for the last couple of weeks, but since a kid I have been in the habit of putting off my desires, or finding a reason not to deal with it in that moment. Today I decided would be different. What in reality did I have to lose?

Even as I sat down to call my friend my mind wandered; I couldn't focus. I typed his number into my phone. I just looked at it for a good minute (more like 5 minutes). I then said "It really matters that I want to ring this guy" (see yesterday's post regarding this affirmation). I repeated it a couple of times and then I took a deep breath and pressed the dial button....

I got his answer phone! I left a message just saying hello and that I had called to see how he was - asked him to call me back if he had time (so I gave him a get out if he wanted it!)

A few hours later he called me back. We chatted and I enjoyed hearing how he was. I could hear that he was pleased I'd called. Just as we were about to say goodbye I plucked up the courage to ask if I could visit him when I'm up in his area in a few weeks. As I anticipated his rejection and awkwardness in saying no to me, instead he responded by saying, "Yes, I'd really like for you to visit. I should be able to rearrange work." We said we'd discuss further and then said goodbye.

So, I felt joy - great joy after the call. Again it may sound small, but my life is formed and progressed by acting on my desires - of course I am joyous for taking this action, especially when I consider the immense pain I have caused myself by not taking similar action numerous times in the past.

I'm concerned you may think I'm a social recluse. This isn't the case. I come across well to people and I do go out and have a good time with friends, but I often don't step beyond the friends I've gained safety and security with. I don't acknowledge the desires that go beyond my comfort zone. I rob myself of life.

So, I want more of this joy, more of this life. Again, consistency is the key - from that I will form a habit - habits form character.