Leap of faith: Engaging in something and believing it will work out even though there is no evidence or assurance of the outcome.
By training and characteristic, I like plans. In fact, I love plans—PERT and GANTT charts, lists, timelines, data flow diagrams—you name it, and I've probably done it. No leaps of faith or flying by the seat of my pants in computer programming, either. Systems analysis was my brand.
So, taking a leap of faith and plunging into fiction writing was uncharacteristic. Or was it? I'm thinking my character strengths (as assessed by the Values in Action—VIA—survey of strengths) of bravery, creativity, and curiosity were smoldering and waiting for the right time to fire up and break free from doing the sure, anticipated thing.
And what fire the flames ignited!
For me, writing fiction checks all the boxes that make a flourishing life—called PERMA in positive psychology terms—I couldn't be happier or feel more fulfilled.
Writing sets off positive emotions—seeing and experiencing things differently and deeply—joy, happiness, awe. Engagement—being totally immersed in the creative process where one day bleeds into another and time goes so fast it stands still. Developing new relationships—relationships with the craft of writing and an entire community of authors, writing professionals, and readers sharing their expertise and helping each other. Fulfilling my meaning in life—supporting others through my stories and characters to be their best selves; showing them that being human is messy, but we can all find our North Stars and fulfill our potential. And experiencing the fruits of taking that leap of faith—achievement—by walking the path and saying yes to the journey, an achievement itself.
Take a leap of faith. Free those smoldering embers inside yourself—the fire it ignites may pleasantly surprise you.