One Quick-Step Coaching Client's Story
Sometimes we get stuck in our own negative self-talk, so stuck that if we move at all, it is backwards! When Mary called for a Quick-Step Coaching on the question of whether her dream of becoming a writer had any basis of reality, Peggy suggested a way of creating her own prompts and a schedule for her writing practice. Before completing the call, Peggy felt compelled to summarize a quote she has on her wall: If not now, when? She also asked Mary to send an update of her progress in two weeks. Here—with permission—is that response.
Dear Peggy,
I just wanted to touch base to let you know I finally began my journey! I know—a little late. I had to attend [professional development] classes shortly after we talked. Then, as you probably expected, I put it off because I was petrified! I started thinking, What will I write? Anyway, I did as you said, wrote down verbs from favorite poems, and put them in a box. Of course, I let the box sit there for quite awhile and did nothing.
I did have an unusual experience. I need to preface this by simply saying that I've been struggling with my faith and the whole "God" issue, to the point of feeling like completely turning away. Additionally, I kept hearing snippets about the scripture that implies "God works out everything for good." I would be surfing through radio stations, and just catch the phrase, or I'd read something and this particular phrase would be mentioned. Anyway, I can't quote the scriptures, was not searching for anything in particular, and really didn't think too much about it.
Yesterday, I was reading Woman's Day magazine, and the quote, "If not now, when?" was in there. Your voice was now in my head! Immediately, I decided to "just do it." I set the timer for 10 minutes, still scared to death that I wouldn't have a word to say. I reached into the box that was filled with note cards, and guess which word I pulled? "Believe." Oh brother! I didn't even remember that word being in there. My pen moved without hesitation—almost without me! I was still writing when the timer went off. The writing resembled that of a journal, with a few insightful thoughts. I think it was more cathartic than anything else.
I pulled out an old notebook that I hadn't opened in a couple of years in which to keep my new writing material together. A loose-leaf paper fell out. On it I had scribbled sloppily in pencil, Rom 8:28. I was about to throw it away, but decided to look up the verse. It was the scripture about God working out everything for good. I thought, How strange, that verse keeps popping up.
I planned to write to you last evening just to let you know I finally started, but it was late and I was tired, so I waited until this morning. I have a little "Daily Devotional" that I try to read every morning while I have coffee. Just last week, I felt I should not read it anymore, and was going to put it away for good. For some reason, I didn't. This morning, I turned to today's date, and guess what scripture the message was about? You got it - Romans 8:28! At that point, the "Twilight Zone" theme song was running through my head.
I'm sorry this is so lengthy, but I wanted to share with you how my "first" writing experience turned into a bit of an unusual experience! Perhaps I am reading too much into it, I just thought it all a little strange...almost weird.
Anyway... it felt GREAT to write again. I just wanted to let you know I am "on my way..."
Thank you again for your helpful words of encouragement. I do want to let you know I looked into your workshop…. I now have a specific goal for saving, and plan to attend next year...
Mary, 2007
In response, Peggy reminded her of this quote from W. H. Murray, member of the Scottish expedition to the Himalayas: "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.'”
—and added— “Synchronistic events always accompany times of change in my experience. And... the more we pay attention, the more they happen. They're not weird, they are what IS real and natural; we've just been trained out of noticing them. I sense you are on a powerful road.”
July, 2007
