"Magic is believing in yourself,
if you can do that,
you can make anything happen."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
There is absolute truth in these words, but so difficult (read: scary) to grasp.
As much as I wanted to be a published writer since before I can remember, I went for many years doing nothing to attain this goal. All the typical excuses applied.
Then one night, channel surfing and bored, I became engrossed in a documentary about doctors. I thought, "I can do that. I can be a doctor." I didn't - and still don't - want to be a doctor. What I realized however, was that by my own conviction, if I wanted to be a doctor, I was perfectly capable of going through all the necessary schooling to become one. This blew me away.
My world grew by bounds that night. Imagine - If I wanted to become a pilot, I could. If I wanted to become a world-class chef, I could. Whatever I wanted, truly was at my fingertips. All I'd have to do would be to take the necessary steps to go there. Believe, and make it real.
Yes, the proverbial light bulb flashed. I went through my eye-opening "if" scenarios and narrowed them down to what I really wanted to do with my life. Know what came to mind? That's right. If I wanted to become a published writer, I could.
Wait a minute, I thought to myself. It's not "if" I want to be a writer, but "I DO want to be a writer." This was quickly followed by, "get off your butt and do what you need to do to make it happen." Believe, and make it real.
It still took me many years and supportive friends and family, but that initial knowledge that nothing had the capability to hold me back, is what kept my childhood dream alive to see its reality today.
Goethe's quote is so profound, I'll leave you with it again in hopes that it sparks the magic in yourself.
"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen." - Goethe