This is quite a thought-provoking conundrum, Mark... there are different reasons why we stop before stepping, and different sorts of things that we might be stepping into, after all! For example, indecision is quite disempowering if it is simply the inability to make choices; on the other hand, to consider all the options and their potential consequences is very empowering and positive - but this is in the realms of material decisions. But, out there in the spiritual/emotional arena, then often there is a need to take the risk, to launch out into the unknown in ignorance or "blind faith", and to only have the revelation and understanding come to you subsequently. Perspective is positional, after all, and sometimes you have to "step" before the revelation or full understanding comes. Also, whatever we ourselves plan or purpose by our stopping and stepping, unless we are operating in a total vacuum we are inevitably affected by the choices others around us make as well, which will fundamentally affect the outcome. Hmmm... plenty for the old grey matter to wrestle with here, but I'd better stop for now! Thanks for the challenge KB

An insightful piece. I can picture you standing like an oak tree rooted by indecision.

This is good Mark. I do believe that a pivital point in our personal/spiritual development is in slowing down to think about the power we have a making all the choices that confront us each moment, and the likely consequences we will get from those choices. It is really an awesome responsibility once you get to that awareness. I think it is a mark of maturity, or even a definition of it.

I am getting in touch with the wisdom of Freud--stopping to check with the superego about conflict choices between the parent/ego head of our personalities and the child/id heart part. You may want to check out my latest article about this at my site (success and common sense. I think the "Original Sin" of mankind is simply not realizing where our free will to make choices comes from and then using it responsibly.

Good words! Very True. Bill C.

"Stop Before You Step" is profound. It caused me to stop and think, and then apply it to myself. The message, to me, is that once I have stopped and considered, then decided where I want to go, understanding the ramifications and potential consequences, my feet take wings! Nothing is holding me back.
Well done.
Thanks, Mark, for causing me to Stop Before I Stepped.

oh wise man.......well done! lol

well-developed wisdom ...

An impressive piece, Mark!
Excellently said, beautifully written!

Love, Sheila

Hi, Mark. Another masterpiece, I see. This is really sooo true. I've done this many times. Sometimes I've waited longer than I should have and others, not long enough. Fortunately, I'm wise enough to see that and learn from it. Have a great day. :)

Bravo! Good to see you Mark! This is wonderful work and
I hope we see more of it! Great insight !

Following one's heart requires willingness and courage to take risks. Well done Mark.

~Joseph

This was outstanding, I loved this, so powerful, and I believe I understand all to well what you mean,

Reindeer

(((mark)))

much insight and power in this inspirational piece--i'd like to know what inspired it

(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :)