Years ago, I wanted to begin a new venture. Not just with work, that was part of it, of course, but with my whole life. And, there was this little voice inside my head telling me:

Just do it. Take the darn leap and don’t look back, just spread your arms out, and believe that you will fly. Believe that you will soar. Believe that you are doing what you are meant to do. Let your dreams be your wings, and go for it.

But then, there was the other voice, the little voice that told me:

Be practical. Be realistic. You’ve got bills. And responsibilities. And no time. You definitely don’t have the time to start something new, chase a crazy dream. You are an adult.

She had a point. So, I decided to take the little voice, the not so-supportive little voice, out to dinner. I thought I could win her over with my enthusiasm, my tenacity, my choice in fabulous sushi hot spots.

I thought, “Sure she thinks that now, but wait ‘til she hears my plan. She’ll believe in me!” We’ll have a glass of wine, me and that little negative voice, and she will come to the other side. I couldn’t wait to convince her that I was worth it.

But, after a nice long meal, she still stuck her tongue out at me. She said excitedly:

This was fun! You’re such an understanding friend. I put you down, I squash your dreams, and you take me to dinner!

This was the only grin I got out of her the whole night. So, that’s when I decided to get the check and drop her off at the nearest bus station. I deleted that little negative voice from my phone, my blackberry, my email, my head, and said my goodbyes. It wasn’t easy. She had been a part of my life for so long, but it was time. If I wanted to move forward, I had to break my ties, and stop entertaining the little negative voice.

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