Leap And The Net Will Appear

Back in the 90s, when Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” was all the rage, I bought myself a copy and devoured the information. I tried to incorporate as many of the ideas into my life as possible. I remember reading the many inspirational quotes on the sides of the pages. The one that has stuck with me is “Leap and the net will appear” from American naturalist, John Burroughs.

“Leap and the net will appear.” – John Burroughs

Sometimes, when I can feel change brewing inside of me, and I know that fear is holding me back, I return to this idea of taking a courageous jump forward, even if I can’t see the safety net below.

Reading The Signposts

When I have dared to leap, things have always fallen into place because necessity IS the mother of invention. Tapping into that inner knowing, the one that reads all the signposts and gently nudges me onward, has led me to places I never imagined possible.

Leaping To France

Take the fact that I’m currently living and working in France as an example. In the mid-90s I went back to university to get a Bachelor’s of Education so that I could get a “real” job and become a teacher. Just as I was heading into graduation and the workplace, I mentioned to someone that I was becoming a French teacher but what I really wanted to do was to buy an old stone house in France and spend time in the French countryside. This person was a former teacher and said to me, “Forget teaching! Go to France, buy a house and the rest will work itself out!”

This advice seemed impossible at the time and so I did get a real job – only to find myself miserable – and four years later, I quit my job, went to France, and bought a farmhouse.

And guess what? I didn’t have any more money when I bought the farmhouse than when I started out teaching.

I leapt and the net appeared.

Following the signs from buying the house to eventually moving to France to live and work was another safety-defying move. But I’ll save that for another time!

When have you dared to leap?

What change is brewing inside you and what is holding you back?

What would you do if you knew it would all turn out ok?

I’d love to hear from you down in the comments below!

Go out on your first Creative Walking Tour using the PDF & audio guides I put together for you.

Over the course of three days, you are invited to go on a contemplative walk and notice the world around you in a new way. There are audio guides and suggested creative activity reponses for each day.

Click the image or the button down below.