The Terrifying Prospect of Dreams Coming True

Two years ago I decided to "retire" early. That required some hard choices. I had to sell the home I'd lived in for over 20 years and drastically cut back on my budget.

But those weren't the hardest things I had to do. The toughest question I faced was, "What do I do now?" I answered that question by avoiding it. Instead of dwelling on what came next, I spent my time doing what I love to do...writing about politics right here.

Then about a year ago, something pretty amazing happened. I got asked to write part-time for Washington Monthly's blog, Political Animal. I've had a blast doing that. And in the next print edition of their magazine you'll find a book review written by me - another first.

Now I've been asked to write an article for the NYT's blog, Campaign Stops. Wowza!!!!! Overall, its been amazing to see that simply by doing what I love to do, a whole new path is beginning to open up for me.

But it's also important to recognize that at each step along the way I have found myself gripped with terror. It reminds me of this poem by David Whyte titled, "The Soul Lives Contented."

The soul lives contented
by listening,
if it wants to change
into the beauty of
terrifying shapes,
it tries to speak.

That's why
you will not sing,
afraid as you are
of who might join with you.

I'm very grateful for the things I've learned from David Whyte. I now know that the terror gripping me at this moment is not something to be avoided, but a sure sign that I am on the cusp of changing "into the beauty of terrifying shapes." That's what happens when you are lucky enough to be able to follow your passion and your dreams start coming true.