Beginnings are seldom as complicated as they seem. You know what I mean by "complicated ? the dates and the duties and the things-to-be-remembered, the stuff that piles onto your plate with a new project or obligation. Whether it's an urgent justice issue, a medical diagnosis forcing a changed lifestyle, or the work of starting a new job, the message is that a whole bunch of stuff HAS to be done, and you are the only one to do it, and do it NOW!

NOT.

What we're talking about is STUFF. Stuff doesn't care how you feel, how busy you already are, or what you personally think is most important. On the road of life, "stuff" is the tailgater, pushing you to hurry up, go faster, respond to its schedule at the expense of your own. In life, as on the highway, Gandhi, teaches the best way to deal with a tailgater ? slow down.

When "stuff" presses you to move faster, accomplish more, or stress yourself harder than feels comfortable to you ? STOP. Just for a moment ? or longer if need be. Stop and breathe. Reconnect with your personal values. Take time to remember why you got involved in this project in the first place.

Remember ? YOU, not "stuff" are in charge. At the end of the day, what matters is who you've BEEN, not what you've DONE.

That's where the old saying about "eating the elephant one bite at a time" comes in handy. At the beginning of any project, the question is not, "What has to be done?" but "What do I need to do right now, today?" Focus your energy, and the universe will come towards you. Taken one bite at a time, it's true: Beginnings are seldom as complicated as they seem.

? Maureen Killoran, 2004

Life coach and Unitarian minister Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin brings powerful intuitive gifts to create her positive, strengths-based coaching. Check out her popular teleclasses, e-books & free monthly e-zine. Complimentary 45-min. session. http://www.spiritquestcoaching.com