Leaving is hard.

Even if you’re the one doing the leaving, leaving is hard.

It’s hard to leave the comfortable job that you’ve outgrown. And the comfortable relationship that feels like it’s reached its end. Hell, it’s even hard to leave the toxic situation that’s been energetically sucking you dry for years.

But you know when it’s time because there’s that little needling voice in the back of your brain that starts off as a whisper. What if we went left today instead of right? What if I sent my resume to that opportunity I saw online? What if I gave that guy my number?

There’s something to be said for curiosity and following those little positive glimmers of what if. It truly only takes a few seconds for life to change. The time it takes to say yes or no.

Here’s the thing too: if you don’t listen to the whisper, it eventually turns into a shout. That’s been my experience, any way. And I’m not talking about “what if” level intrusive thoughts that tell you to go shave your head when you’re trying to fall asleep. I’m talking tried and true curiosity built on the seeds of interest, wonder, and intuition.

I have encountered the whisper many times over the course of my life so far. When I have failed to follow her lead, she gets louder…and louder…until she’s all I hear. Because I think when the whispers starts, we’re already at the starting line of change. Sometimes it just takes a little longer for our hearts to catch up to our brains, or vice versa, depending on where the curiosity starts.

Change is so scary. Terrifying even. All that unknown liminal space to navigate. And what if you get it wrong? There’s so much to be afraid of.

But what if you follow the whisper and it all works out? Well, then, you might just end up living the life of your dreams.

So, when the call starts to whisper, maybe step a toe in the water. Start to make a plan for your next move.

Part of life is growing (and outgrowing) the things that have served us but don’t fit anymore. You don’t have to stay. Some things are destined to end. That doesn’t mean they weren’t a success. Wanting to leave doesn’t make you weak.

In fact, following those whispers along your path, makes you incredibly strong and incredibly brave.

Until next week, friends.