Every precious thing in life requires a leap of faith: to be vulnerable and to move forward without knowing what will happen.
If you have an enriching friendship or relationship: some time ago, you mustered courage and reached out at the risk of being ignored or rejected.
If you have a personal or professional opportunity to make an impact: at one point, you said yes when it was unclear what you had signed up for.
If you have created something you are proud of: you presented the work at the risk of ridicule.
If you have a skill or a hobby: you probably went through periods of frustration and felt unsure whether you would ever improve.
If you have gone on a memorable journey: the parts you likely remember the most are the people and the experiences that were never part of the plan.
If the above is true, we can conclude: embracing the unknown brings life. It’s in walking into the unknown that our path begins to reveal itself.
What stops us from proceeding is often the fear of getting hurt. What if people make fun of us? Will it fail?
Surely things can go wrong, but the better question is: does walking our path matter more than staying put? Does the benefit outweigh the risk? Is the growth worth the price?
All this is not to say that we must take undue risks or expose ourselves indiscriminately. That would be unwise and unnecessary.
Instead, take small risks first, listen to your heart, and course-correct as you go. Once you start moving, signs—words, people, opportunities—will emerge and guide you.
The path ahead will look nothing like what you have imagined, but it is uniquely yours.