#11: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out (Why One Step Is Enough)
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.
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.
