In times of uncertainty, I've been known to adopt a wait-and-see posture.

To sit on my hands in silence and take my cues from events outside of myself —

Listen intently —

Perhaps even nod my head —

Neither one way —

Or the other.

Chiming in, from time to time, with an uncommitted —

"Hmmmm."

Quite safe as far as postures go —

Wouldn't you agree?

Some might even call it —

Remaining open.  Flexible.  Ready for —

Anything.

Yes.  

But.

It can also be limiting.  

To myself.  My relationships.  And the greater good of —

Any unfolding endeavor. 

When I refuse to add my voice —

There's no chance for harmonization.  No chance for a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts outcome.  

And a high probability that my own growth will be stunted, bent passively under the emerging agenda's growing shadow.

Sure, there are also risks with speaking up and taking a position.

Maybe the notes I contribute will be a bit too sharp for the conductor's ear and I'll be tossed out of the orchestra.  

But it's also just as likely that I could strike the galvanizing chord without knowing it  —

Or that —

In the harmonization process, I could find myself happily —

Changing my own tune.

Whatever the outcome, I win.  

I move forward together —

Or in search of the next set of partners.

But always with —

A strong and clear song in my heart.

Can you think of times when you perhaps prevented a relationship or situation from reaching its full potential because you refused to add your voice?  Do you know why?  What will you do to get clear, be heard — and attract the right partners and opportunities to your "heart songs"?

There are occasions in life when all we want to do is —

Shrink back.

Fade into the background.

Sneak out of the room.

Pull the covers over our head and pretend we didn't hear —

It isn't what we think or it isn't that bad or —

Surely this will —

Pass. 

Something's coming at us too fast, too slow, sideways or maybe even —

Right between our eyes.   

"Why me?  Why now?," we moan.

And then —

In the midst of all our dodging and ducking and doubling over in doubt, we stop in our well-heeled tracks.

We stop.

Listen to the stillness.

Breathe in.  Breathe out.

And rise to it.

We meet the moment, look it squarely in the eyes and give it an honest answer.

The answer might be "I'll pass" —

Or it might be a giant step up to the plate.

Whether it's yes or no, we have risen.

We have played our sacred parts in the unfolding mystery of life.

Is there anything you are reluctant to rise to in your life today?  Are you holding back because you think you have to step up, but you don't want to?  Can you let yourself meet the moment honestly and decline with ease?  If not, why not?