When ancient Greek armies traveled across the sea to do battle, the first thing they would do after landing was to burn the boats, leaving them stranded. With no way to make it home besides victory, the resolve of the soldiers was strengthened. When success and failure are the only options, you have no choice but to follow through.
I just read this today as I was doing some research on overcoming fear. T. thinks that in a past life he may have been a Sea Captain. After reading this, I’m beginning to think I may have been one to.
When I look over the last 44 years of my life, I’m often baffled at my courage. I’ve never thought of myself as a strong person, more like a timid little mouse who runs at the first sign of trouble.
In my early 30’s I left a 13 year marriage, my church and my social support system, with no education, no work experience, no plan. On my own without the support of family or even one friend. I burned the boat. There was no going back.
As I neared 40, I left a lucrative corporate position to pursue a dream. From Project Manager to Personal Chef with no culinary degree, no job offers, no 401K or guaranteed paychecks. I burned the boat, forcing me to succeed. I had no other choice.
After a couple of years of Personal Cheffing, I took a management position in a local restaurant. It became obvious that I would not be able to secure a future working for someone else in a small independently owned brunchette, so with T.’s encouragement, we decided to go into business for ourselves. We burned the boat.
This boat burning seams a little scarier, or maybe it only feels this way because I am in the midst of it. Investor’s were involved this time. Other people counting on me to be successful. I’m looking back at the shore for an escape but there is none. I HAVE to make this work. I WANT to make this work. I WILL make this work. …but if the universe happens to send I life raft in my direction, I may be tempted to use it.
Between the Gutter and the Stars 