Have you ever paused to watch a squirrel attempt to cross a busy road? There’s something both amusing and profound in the way they approach this daunting task. The small creature darts to the edge, whiskers twitching with anticipation, then freezes as a car rushes by. It retreats a few steps, tail flicking nervously, before edging forward again. This dance of advance and retreat might continue several times—the squirrel analyzing, calculating, gathering courage—until finally, in one decisive moment, it commits to a full-speed dash across the dangerous terrain.

It’s risky, some would even say dangerous, but staying put isn’t an option. The squirrel instinctively understands what we humans sometimes forget: that sometimes the biggest danger is in not moving at all. That patch of grass on the other side offers food, shelter, or connection; resources worth the momentary exposure to risk.

This simple woodland creature offers us a powerful metaphor for life’s crossroads moments. How often do we find ourselves at the edge of our own busy roads, wanting to cross but paralyzed by the traffic of doubts, fears, and “what-ifs” racing through our minds?

If you’re not happy with where you are currently positioned in life, I invite you to take a moment for honest reflection. What’s really holding you back? Not the surface excuses we tell others or even ourselves, but the deep, sometimes uncomfortable truths beneath them. Is it fear of failure? Fear of judgment? The comfort of familiar discomfort? Or perhaps uncertainty about whether the other side is truly better than where you stand now?

Try writing your answers down. There’s something powerful about seeing your thoughts materialized on paper; it makes them concrete enough to examine but also separate from you, allowing for more objective consideration.

Then ask yourself: What different choices can I make in this situation? Life isn’t always simple, but you ALWAYS have a choice. Even when external circumstances seem fixed, you can choose your response, your attitude, your next step.

That choice will likely be uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens within the cushioned boundaries of what feels safe and familiar. Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only place where real personal growth happens, like muscles that only strengthen when pushed beyond their current capacity.

I’ve walked this path myself over the past year. Like that contemplative squirrel, I found myself at the edge of a busy road, questioning whether to stay in the security of employee life or dash across to entrepreneurship. I asked myself those tough questions, and the answers weren’t always what I wanted to hear. They pointed to necessary changes that felt overwhelming at first glance.

But I dug deep, pushed through my fears and endless “what if” scenarios, and took the leap from employee to entrepreneur! This wasn’t about following trends or choosing the “cool” path; it came from recognizing I was being called to serve in a unique way, one that aligned more authentically with my purpose.

Through this transition, I’ve learned how crucial it is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and understand your mission. The right community can make the difference between turning back to the familiar side of the road and successfully reaching new territory. My journey has been challenging but equally exciting and rewarding! I’ve ventured into spaces I never imagined exploring (more on those adventures coming soon!).

And it all began with a choice, a decision to be like that determined squirrel, unwilling to let fear of traffic prevent the journey to something better.

So, I challenge you today: if you find yourself in the wrong environment (be it personally or professionally), ask yourself: What’s stopping you from making a change? What’s your busy road, and what awaits you on the other side?

Reflect on what’s holding you back and take one step, however small, toward embracing change and creating the life you truly want. Your leap of faith doesn’t have to happen all at once, even the squirrel approaches the edge several times before crossing. I’d love to hear about your journey in the comments below. Where are you poised to cross, and what’s your first step going to be?