Earlier this week, I connected with a good friend to deliver signed copies of Resilience: Living Life by Design, a book featuring the stories of twelve phenomenal women including my contribution on “Burdens and Blessings.” While greeting each other, my friend shared some wonderful news. Later this year, she will leave a very successful career in corporate America to launch her own business.

I was both stunned and excited to learn of my friend’s news. Stunned because she’s a leader in her company and community and doing quite well at her gig. Excited she followed her heart allowing her spirit to pursue her dreams and aspirations without fear. After hearing the news, I immediately hugged my friend (for the second time in two minutes) and said, “Wow! Entrepreneurship takes courage.”

Since our quick encounter earlier this week, I continue to be struck by my friend’s heroic actions. I run into people daily who are not happy with their situation or circumstances yet refuse to change anything about it despite the many resources and talents they possess. From stagnant careers to unhappy marriages to needy family members to wayward children, folks are unhappy for one reason or another. Contentment and complacency often reside where joy and happiness should overflow. I applaud my friend for taking a risk, stepping out on faith and following her own voice. Let’s be real. It takes a lot of moxie to leave a good corporate salary and benefits package to travel unchartered territory.

While wishing my friend well in her next endeavor, I am equally challenged to consider the opportunities to be courageous in my own life- personally and professionally. Experience has taught me that excuses build bridges to nowhere. It’s time to do more than dream and talk, it’s time to act. Muhammad Ali said it best, “he who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

#mybestselfieyet

#courageovercontentment