I believe anything is possible.
I am not tied to any outcome.
My vow is to show up … and just keep showing up,
Not when I receive some approval
Not when I lose some weight
Not when I make some plans
Not when I get some courage
Not after I’ve done some research
Not when I’ve gotten some therapy for my issues.
I choose to believe I am ready now,
To live the life I’ve been wanting to live,
To make the contribution only I can make in this world,
Not perfectly
Not without fail
Not without a few tiny meltdowns or a few dramatic upheavals
Not without shedding a tear or two or three.
I choose to believe I am ready now.
Because time doesn’t wait,
And I’ve let the chains of “someday” hold me back for too long.
Hello 2017.
I didn’t realize it until now
But I’ve been waiting for you to arrive at my doorstep.
And here you are,
Right on time,
On the day I choose to believe anything is possible,
On the day I refuse to be tied to any particular outcome.
I’m no longer waiting for “someday” to live my life,
to love myself & others,
and to make my unique contribution to this world.
I am ready now.
With shaky hands, I grasp this invitation graciously extended to me as 2017 stands at my doorstep.
I will step into my life unapologetically
Boldly, Bravely, Flawed and Full of Hope.
Because anything is possible
When you’re willing to show up
And bear your scars and dream your dreams beneath The Sky of Possibility.
Anything is possible in 2017.
I believe it enough for both of us.
So grab my hand.
Step through the open door.
This is us, showing up
Boldly,
Bravely,
Flawed,
and Full of Hope.
I see light ahead.
© Rachel Macy Stafford 2017
Dear ones, my site might look a little different today. My talented friend Julie Sherman helped me make it more authentically me. There’s more of my smile that makes my eyes get all squinty (thank you, Amy Paulson). There’s more of me owning my title as “author” which I tend to downplay. There’s more love here – because love is transformative, and the words ONLY LOVE TODAY have transformed me. I hope you feel love here. I hope you feel like you can be yourself here. I hope you believe in possibilities here. Take my hand. Together, there is hope. Please join The Hands Free Revolution community on Facebook & Instagram for daily inspiration to let go of distraction, pressure, & perfection to grasp what really matters. All comments, spoken & unspoken, are cherished & appreciated.
Your new site-look is beautiful. I continue to love your words, confessions, testimonies to living a hands free life and your willingness to be so open and vulnerable to your readers. With thanks and hope for 2017, Kylie Stacey (NSW, Australia)
Thank you, Kylie!!! That makes my day! So happy to know you are walking beside me all the way from Australia! Much love and joy to you!
Rachel, thank you for this! I so love the encouragement to just “show up.” I love how you simplify something that still takes bravery. I will be printing out these words to hang up in my office. AND… noticed the site’s new look! It is beautiful and so are you . Happy new year, friend.
Thank you, dear Laura! You are a gift! 🙂
Thanks very much for the post… Needed that this morning…
I appreciate you letting me know, Judy. Sending love & blessings.
Happy new year! Your site is lovely! And your words uplifting as always. Is there enough room to fit “Boldly, Bravely, Flawed & Full of Hope” on a metal bracelet? Ha! Love those words. Together we show up, sister! Hello 2017!
Oh Rachel – Thank you again for your inspiration.
As I sit reading your words and tears stream down my face. I realize I’ve spent so much time waiting for the right time. All that time is gone now. The time is now. I have choices, decisions to make – I am an artist who doesn’t create art (waiting for the right time) I’m a massage therapist with a dislocated shoulder (forced into waiting) and a care taker who now needs care (always caring for myself last) Your words are profound this morning. I want to rise up from this couch and show up and do something!!!!
Thank you. I’ll let you know how it goes… PJ
Rachel, Wow – these are the words my heart has been listening to hear. I am excited to start this New Year. I have declared this year “My Year”…not to be selfish, but to truly open my heart and become who I have always wanted to be. To be still with myself, and to listen to what my life has to offer. I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this year, so it is time to turn the page…be kinder to myself, be bold, daring and full of hope. Thank you for this incredible post. This will be my daily reminder to make the most of this year…to step into this year unapologetically. “I choose to believe I am ready now, to live the life I’ve been wanting to live, to make the contribution only I can make in this world”. Thank you for this lovely gift. Please know I do feel love here. I do feel like I can be myself here. I do believe in possibilities here. I’m grateful to be on this incredible journey with you. Forever grateful. Shannon
I am so grateful to read this, Shannon. Thank you for walking beside me.
Love ❤️
Thank you so much, Rachel, for always saying exactly what I need to hear. You have an amazing ability to touch me, inspire me and comfort me with your words and I just wanted to let you know that it makes such a tremendous difference in my life. I’ve had some difficult and upsetting moments with both of my teenage children over the past 2 days and was feeling like a failure as a mother because I sometimes miss the mark with them, even when I have the best of intentions as a parent. This beautiful post reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect, that I can start over each day and that I need to keep showing up rather than giving up. Thank you for being such a light in this world. I’m so grateful to have found your blog and your books. I hope you will never stop sharing your precious gift of writing with us. Happy New Year!
Thank you for the post.It such an encouraging words!!!