Say Yes to the Unknown: Trust the Journey

Another Peloton ride, another inspirational song.

I don’t listen to much rap, but today’s ride included Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The lyrics speak to a performer struggling with self-doubt, yet recognizing that he has only one shot. He doesn’t want to miss his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In the end, we don’t know if he succeeds, but we know that his mindset has shifted. He believes success is his only option, so he goes for it.

Have you ever found yourself standing on the edge of a metaphorical cliff, unsure whether to take the leap? In most cases, the answer is yes. You likely have only one shot at this opportunity. And if you fail? So what. Chances are, you’ve learned something valuable from the experience.

I remember getting a call, years ago, asking if I was interested in a job promotion that would require me to leave behind a happy, comfortable life in Nashville for the unknown of California. When I accepted, I was filled with apprehension. On a long drive, I called my husband, who used the cliff metaphor and reminded me that sometimes we need to jump into the unknown. It may be scary, but there’s a good chance it’s worth it. He calmed my frantic sobs, and I realized he was right. This would be an adventure I wouldn’t regret. And I didn’t.

Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to take chances—and I can honestly say I’ve never regretted a single one. Even the choices that didn’t unfold the way I’d hoped taught me something. I turned doubt, fear, and failure into learning experiences that made me a better, stronger, and wiser version of myself.

The learning never stops. Right now, I’m working on getting quiet—meditating. This week, I listened to a meditation about surrender, trust, and flow. We need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to know everything. We don’t need a perfect plan. We need to trust that when we take that leap, there will be something or someone to catch us—a parachute to slow our descent, or perhaps just the wild ride itself.

When you surrender, it doesn’t mean you’ve given up. It might mean you’re allowing your wiser self to lead. The mantra for that day’s meditation was, “Let the day unfold; say yes to what shows up.”

I’ve continued to repeat that mantra every day this week, and it’s amazing how calming those words can be. Rather than stressing about the next meeting, the next sale, or even the next career or relationship transition, trust that you’ll make the right decision. Let the day unfold as it was meant to, and say yes—even when it scares you.