Beginning a Fool's Journey

Life is a series of Fool's journeys. At some point or another, we are all the fool. Quite literally, we are the fool when we are young and new to the planet. We learn to walk and talk and play. We are sponges constantly soaking up new information. However, we become the Fool over and over again in small and large aspects. When we pick up a new hobby or take up a new study, we are the Fool. When we become parents and partners for the first time, we are the Fool. When we start a new job or open our own business, we are the Fool.

I believe the Fool to be exhilarating. I love his energy. I love fresh starts and the abyss of potential that comes from taking the leap. I love to learn and read and take on new ventures.

For some, however, the Fool is frightening. It is uncomfortable and scary to step out of the comfort zone. It is hard to take that leap when you don't know what is on the the other side.

And, to be honest, being a beginner is not always fun. When I first started riding horses, I was a tall, skinny, gangling 12 year old. I was horse crazy. I would sit at home and imagine galloping through open fields and jumping high fences in front of a cheering crowd. I was fooled by how effortless professional riders made it seem. I thought sitting on a horse's back would feel like flying.

And it does, but not at first.

At first it is jarring and unsettling. You whole body hurts because you have to use every muscle you have to keep yourself in position. I remember feeling frustrated that my gangling body wouldn't do what I was asking it to. I thought about those effortless rider and felt discouraged. Would I ever get there? Would it ever feel right?

This is often where people give up. Not because they are weak or lazy, but because it is no fun being in this spot. Where your dream seems to be slipping through your fingers. Achieving it seems impossible. You feel as though you will never reach it. You start to think: "Maybe this isn't meant for me" or "Maybe I am wasting my time".

This is why the Fool needs the Two of Wands as his companion.

The Two of Wands is about setting out in pursuit of your desire, but understanding that it is going to take time. Put one foot in front of the other. Set small, achievable goals. Be patient. Make game plans. Always have a bottle of champagne in the fridge to celebrate each milestone, big and small.

That is how I became an accomplished equestrian. Yes, eventually riding a horse felt like flying. It was better than effortless - better than I could have ever imagined. That is how I learned tarot, psychology, French and acting. That is how I started a blog. That is how I got through college and learned crucial life skills. I took it one step at a time and I never gave up.

There are those in my life who serve as inspiration for perseverance. My husband wanted to be a weightlifter, so he worked hard everyday to become one. It took time - years - but he got there.

It is always a journey and at some point you are the Fool.

You are Frodo leaving the Shire. You are Luke leaving Tatooine. You are Khaleesi learning to rule a strange people.

All great stories have a beginning, embrace yours.

XOXO