When I started planning for The Smile Project road trip, I ran the idea by some of my closest friends and family. I was met with pretty unanimous support. I was sure someone was going to tell me to calm down and be rational. Nobody did.
Then I talked to my most “Devil’s Advocate” friend – the one who can call me out and give me “realistic advice” and isn’t afraid to tell me if they think what I’m doing is a bad idea. They said I should.
When I first started planning The Smile Project road trip, I think I almost wanted someone to say no – almost expected it. But nobody did. The person most hesitant was perhaps myself.
I was talking to a group in Rapid City, South Dakota – explaining how we’d gotten that far and how amazing people had been everywhere we went. One couple was involved with a new project within their church to build a camp and lodging facility. They explained how you never know until you ask.
You never know if you can fly until you leap.
We shared the sentiment. Sometimes the only person holding yourself back is yourself. Stop waiting for permission. Stop feeding yourself doubts. Go for it.
To quote from Ayn Rand in The Fountainhead:
[DEAN] “Do you mean to tell me that you’re thinking seriously of building that way, when and if you are an architect? [ROARK] “Yes.” [DEAN] “My dear fellow, who will let you?” [ROARK] “That’s not the point. The point is, who will stop me?”
Love always,
Liz
Feat. picture of day 1 (West Virginia)