One of the greatest joys I had at the Speak Up Conference was leading our Sunset Wellness Walk.

Before we even started, several people asked me the same question.

"Can I still come if I'm wearing dress shoes?"

Others wondered if they were dressed too nicely. Some weren't sure they could keep up. A few hesitated because they didn't know anyone.

My answer to every one of them was the same.

Absolutely. Come just as you are.

As we began walking, I looked around and smiled.

Some people wore tennis shoes.

Some wore sandals.

Some wore dress shoes.

Some were dressed casually.

Others had come straight from conference sessions dressed for the day.

Yet every single person belonged.

Isn't that just like God?

He doesn't wait until we have everything together before inviting us to come. He doesn't ask us to become perfect before taking our next step. He simply says,"Come."

The Getting Out of Your Own Way™ Principle

Come just as you are.

One of the biggest ways we get in our own way is believing we have to be more prepared, more confident, more qualified, or have everything figured out before we begin.

We tell ourselves:

• I'll start exercising when I have the right clothes.

• I'll volunteer when I know more people.

• I'll speak when I have more confidence.

• I'll pursue my dream when I'm less afraid.

• I'll serve God when I feel more qualified.

Those thoughts keep us standing still.

God isn't asking us to have everything figured out.

He's asking us to take the next step.

As we walked, something else happened.

Most people had no idea we had walked about1½ milesbecause we spent the time talking, laughing, encouraging one another, and simply enjoying the journey.

Some walked faster.

Some walked slower.

But we all finished together.

Then I realized something that made me smile.

Individually, each of us walked about 1½ miles.

Together, we had walked nearly 40 miles combined.

That's the power of encouragement.

That's the power of community.

That's the power of walking alongside one another.

It's also one of the reasons I love coaching.

As a Total Wellness Mentor, I don't walk the journey for my clients, but I do have the privilege of walking beside them—encouraging them, helping them overcome the obstacles that are keeping them stuck, and reminding them to keep taking the next step.

Time after time, I've watched women accomplish far more than they ever imagined possible—not because they suddenly became perfect, but because they stopped waiting until they felt ready.

Your Next Step

Maybe today your next step isn't walking 1½ miles.

Maybe it's making one phone call.

Taking one short walk.

Applying for that opportunity.

Starting that ministry.

Scheduling that doctor's appointment.

Signing up for the class.

Having the difficult conversation.

Or simply believing that you belong.

Whatever your next step is, don't wait until everything feels perfect.

Come just as you are.

God will meet you there.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Reflection Question

Where have you been waiting until you feel "ready" before taking the next step God is calling you to take?

Take a moment to pray about it today. Then share your answer on today's Facebook or Instagram post—I would love to encourage you.