say it out loud

Yesterday, I got myself in just a teensy bit of trouble with some people I love, because, apparently, I told very few people about planning to go to Africa. I'd like to say this is atypical for me, but I'd be lying. I have a tendency to sit on my plans: working out every single detail, every last step, before sharing them. Just to ensure they're really going to happen. And then BAM: the big reveal.

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Back up to a few months ago, when my friend, Maggie, was giving me advice on a situation. I reaaaallly wanted something to come to fruition and she said: If you really want it to happen, say it out loud.

At the time, I wasn't exactly sure what she meant by it. Why did that make a difference? Was this some sort of Thoughts from the Universe advice?

But then, yesterday, it clicked for me. Saying it out loud is letting go of just a bit of control and admitting that you hope something will happen. You really want it to. But you're not quite sure yet if it will. Saying it out loud is being vulnerable. It's letting people in to your space before everything is aligned - before all of your ducks are in a row.

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It's saying: I trust you enough to tell you I'd like for this to happen, but if I can't work it out, I know you won't hold it against me.  And it's being confident enough to know that even if it doesn't work out, the people you love will keep on loving you. Not matter what continent you're on.

And from where I'm sitting, having the people I love by my side sounds a whole lot better than having all my ducks in a row, any day of the week.

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Sidenote: Thank you so much for everyone who has donated to my trip! I am so grateful and excited. It's really happening, now! :)