Closer than you think

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” - James Clear

It’s wild how much of life comes down to a single moment. A pause. A breath. A quiet, barely noticeable decision. We always think change has to be big, life altering. But more often, it sneaks in like a whisper. One choice. One moment of clarity or courage. One second where you do something different than you did yesterday.

You’re one decision away from getting up and moving your body even though your mind is heavy. One decision away from putting your phone down and actually being here, in this exact moment, instead of escaping into noise. One decision away from speaking up, setting a boundary, or walking away from something that’s been slowly bleeding you dry.

The thing is, we romanticize transformation. We think we need a new job, a new city, a clean break. But most of the time, we just need a new decision. The kind that feels small in the moment but means everything over time. Choosing discomfort over numbness. Stillness over distraction. Grace over punishment. Trying again over giving up. Those are the decisions that shift the trajectory of a life, not all at once, but slowly.

I’ve had so many moments where I’ve wanted to wait for the right time. To be more ready, more healed, more certain. Sometimes you do not feel ready, and that is just how it is. But every now and then, there is this small moment where you feel open enough to try. That is all it takes. Just a little bit of willingness. And in that, there is something steadying. Because even choosing one small thing can remind you that you are not stuck. You can work with where you are and move from there.

Maybe the decision is to forgive. To stop punishing yourself for how long it’s taken. Or to finally have that uncomfortable conversation you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s to rest. To not prove your worth through exhaustion today. Maybe it’s just to drink water, step outside, breathe, and try again tomorrow.

Whatever it is, you’re probably closer than you think. Just one small choice at a time, building a little more trust with yourself, finding a bit more clarity, moving gently toward who you are becoming. That version of you is not far. She is just on the other side of a thoughtful, honest decision.

It does not have to be a big moment. It does not have to change everything. It just has to be real. And that is more than enough.