E11: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out — Why One Step Is Enough
Hi, and welcome to Align with Veronica. A space for honest conversations on awareness, alignment, and living in truth.
I’m Veronica, and here we explore the mind, body, and patterns that keep us stuck so we can return to who we really are.
Whether this is your first time listening or you’ve been here for a while, I’m so grateful you’re here.
If you’ve been following my work for a while, you know I started this podcast and blog almost a year ago. And as I approach my one-year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what this journey has looked like — the parts I’ve shared, and honestly, the many parts I’ve held back.
I’ve been sitting with my own resistance. My own perfectionism. And those familiar patterns that say,
“You can’t share this yet. You’re not ready. You need to have it all figured out first.”
Maybe you know that voice, too. And what I want to share with you today is this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to take one step forward. You don’t have to be perfect to begin.
One Step Forward Is Enough
I’ve been thinking a lot about how easy it is to believe that if we’re not doing it "perfectly," if we’re still struggling with old patterns, if we don’t have all the answers — that somehow, we shouldn’t even bother starting.
But what if that’s not true?
What if taking the step, even if it’s messy, even if you’re unsure, is the path?
You’ve probably heard that phrase, “one step forward, three steps back,” right? I used to believe that too.
But now I see that’s not what’s happening. When you take a step forward and old patterns start pulling at you, you’re not going backward. You’re in the process of change. Because when you step toward something new, all those old voices, perfectionism, doubt, fear, get loud.
Not because you’re failing. But because you’re stepping out of what’s familiar. So, even if it feels messy, even if your ego says, “See? You shouldn’t have tried…”
I want to remind you: You took the step. And that step matters.
Catching the Pattern Is the Work
Here’s something I’m learning: Awareness itself is powerful.
When you hear that old voice,
“You’re not good enough.”
“You’re not ready.”
“Who do you think you are?”
And you notice it? You’ve already broken part of the pattern. Even if you hesitate. Even if you don’t move right away. Noticing it is the work. And if you don’t catch it right away but realize it later? That’s still the work.
When we thank ourselves for catching it, even if it’s hours or days later, we strengthen Buddhi, that deeper part of the mind that knows truth. And when we connect to gratitude, when we say, “I’m grateful I caught that”, we quiet the ego. Because gratitude brings us back to alignment.
The Discipline of Yoga Begins Now
One of the most powerful teachings I return to is the opening line of the Yoga Sutras:
“The discipline of yoga begins now”.
When I say yoga, I don’t mean what we see on social media. Yoga is life. Yoga is the connection between mind and body. Yoga is presence. And Patanjali doesn’t start the Sutras by saying,
"First, let me explain everything."
He starts with now. Because that’s where everything begins. Not tomorrow. Not when you’re ready. Not when you’re perfect. Now. And yet, so many of us rush past that line, thinking, “Okay, great, now what’s next? What’s step one?” But what if that’s the teaching to sit with the longest?
So let me ask you:
What does now feel like? And when I ask that, notice: Do you hold your breath? Do you tense your shoulders, waiting for permission? Do you wait for someone else to give you the answer?
Because that moment, that pause, that iswhere life is. That’s where yoga is. That’s where the discipline of showing up begins.
You Are Your Own Teacher
One thing I’ve learned on my path: No one can give you your truth.
I can share what I’ve learned. I can share what’s helped me. But wisdom becomes real when you live it.
And that’s why I say,I’m not here to give you the answer.I’m here to share what has brought me life, in case it resonates. And if it does, beautiful.If not, that’s okay too.
But if something brings healing, it’s meant to be shared. Because healing is life, and life is not something we gatekeep.
The Four Tools I Return To
As I move into this next season of the podcast, I’ll be sharing more about the four tools that keep me grounded and aligned — and that I believe are enough to guide us back to ourselves:
Meditation — to pause and be present.
Breath — to connect to life and ground in the body.
Movement — to return to the body and its wisdom.
Self-inquiry — to ask the real questions that guide us back to truth.
You don’t need complicated techniques. You don’t need perfect rituals. Sometimes, all you need is to pause, breathe, move gently, and ask: “What is real right now? What do I need in this moment?”
Why I’m Sharing This Now
As I reflect on this first year of sharing — all the blogs and podcasts I’ve created, and all the ones I’ve held back —
I realize now, this is part of my work: To share in the middle of the process — not after I’ve figured it all out.
To share as I’m living it, not when it’s polished. And honestly? That’s why I started this space in the first place. To have real conversations. To share reflections rooted in life and the ancient wisdom of yoga in a way that’s raw, real, and human.
I believe, these teachings are meant to be shared again and again because truth is timeless.
Reflections to Sit With
If you want to explore this more, here are a few questions to reflect on:
Where in my life am I holding back because I think I need to have it all figured out?
What would happen if I took one small step anyway?
What does now feel like for me — right now?
When I ask that, what does my body do? Am I holding my breath?
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve been waiting to start, to share your voice, create something, or make a change, let this be your reminder:
You are allowed to begin, just as you are. Even if it’s messy. Even if you’re scared. Even if you don’t know what’s next. You don’t have to have it all figured out to take one step. Because that step, that one, imperfect, real step, is enough.
And I’m walking that path too.
Closing Words
Thank you so much for being here.
If this episode spoke to you, I would truly love to hear your reflections, you can share a comment or message me directly.
And if you think this could support someone you know, sharing this episode not only helps them, but also helps me keep creating and sharing these conversations, so I’m always grateful when you do.
If you want to stay connected for more reflections, podcasts, and tools for alignment, you can join my newsletter, Align Yourself Insights, you’ll find the link in the show notes.
I’m so grateful for every share, comment, and connection because it reminds me that this work matters, and that we’re walking this path together.
Until next time, take care, and remember: alignment begins now
Have a beautiful day.
