No More Waiting
No More Waiting: Taking Your Life Off Hold
Have you ever felt like you’re living in limbo, waiting for someone or something to nudge your life forward? Maybe you’ve been in a relationship where your partner is hesitant to commit to the next step, leaving you stuck, hoping they’ll finally take the initiative. Or perhaps you’ve put your dreams and ambitions on pause, believing that once the "right moment" or the "right person" comes along, things will fall into place.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many of us, life has a way of slipping into a holding pattern—whether it’s in love, work, or personal growth. But here’s the question: what are we really waiting for? And is it worth the cost of putting your happiness, goals, and potential on the back burner?
This post is for anyone who’s tired of waiting, tired of being on hold, and ready to reclaim their agency. It’s not just about relationships but about every area of life where we’re passively waiting for something to happen instead of taking the reins.
The Problem With “Waiting for the Right Time”
We’re conditioned to believe that patience is a virtue, and sometimes it is. But there’s a fine line between patience and passivity. Waiting for the “perfect” conditions or relying on someone else to fulfill our needs can leave us stagnant.
Take relationships, for example. If you’re constantly waiting for your partner to decide they’re ready for the next step—whether it’s moving in together, marriage, or simply being fully present—you’re sidelining your own wants and needs. You’re putting your life on pause, hoping they’ll press play.
And it’s not just romantic relationships. Maybe you’re stuck in a job that feels like a dead end, telling yourself you’ll start looking for something better when the economy improves or when you “feel ready.” Or perhaps you’ve been dreaming of starting a business, writing a book, or moving to a new city but haven’t taken the leap because you’re waiting for the stars to align.
The truth is, life doesn’t wait for us. The longer we put off living fully, the more we risk waking up one day to realize that years have slipped by while we were waiting for the “right” moment that never came.
Why We Wait
So why do we do it? Why do we keep ourselves on hold, even when it’s uncomfortable or unsatisfying?
1. Fear of the Unknown
Stepping into uncharted territory is intimidating. It’s easier to stay in a familiar, even if unsatisfying, situation than to risk the uncertainty of change.
2. Hope for Change
We convince ourselves that if we just wait a little longer, things will improve. They’ll change. The opportunity we’ve been waiting for will appear.
3. Cultural Conditioning
Society often tells us to wait our turn, to be patient, and not to rock the boat. We’re taught to believe that good things come to those who wait.
4. Low Self-Worth
Deep down, we may not believe we deserve better. We settle for less because we don’t think we’re worthy of more.
5. Love and Loyalty
In relationships, waiting can feel like an act of love or loyalty. We suppress our own needs, hoping our partner will eventually meet us where we are.
When I Was On Hold
The truth is, I feel like I’ve been on hold for most of my life—I just didn’t realize it until recently. For years, I used my circumstances as excuses not to pursue the things I truly wanted. I told myself I couldn’t start a business, go back to school, write a book, or, more recently, launch a podcast. (Well, you know how that one eventually turned out.)
I’ve always been a practical person. If I couldn’t see the endgame, I convinced myself it wasn’t going to work. And if it wasn’t going to work, why even try? With that mindset, I stopped before I ever started, crafting excuses to keep my dreams tucked away in a metaphorical box, gathering dust. That is, until a new idea or venture would pop into my head, only for the cycle to repeat.
Looking back, the truth is, I was scared—scared of failing, scared that my ideas were just fleeting fantasies that would never take shape. It wasn’t about practicality; it was about fear.
I’d like to say everything changed the moment I decided to go back to school, but it wasn’t quite that simple. What finally pushed me forward was shifting my focus away from the logistics—away from the fear of taking out another student loan—and instead honing in on what I wanted for my life. It wasn’t an overnight transformation. It took three years of commitment, but it was worth it. Now, I’m doing something I truly enjoy, and that feels incredible.
I still find myself on hold sometimes, but the difference now is that I don’t let the unknown paralyze me. I’ve learned it’s okay not to see the endgame. It’s okay to jump in, embrace the journey, and let it take me wherever it leads. After all, life isn’t about knowing exactly where you’ll end up—it’s about daring to take the first step.
The Turning Point
There comes a moment when you realize that waiting isn’t serving you anymore. Maybe it’s a slow, creeping realization, or maybe it hits you all at once like a lightning bolt. Either way, deciding to stop waiting is a powerful act of reclaiming your life.
For me, the turning point came when I realized that change wasn’t going to happen if I just stayed on the sidelines. How could I keep complaining about the direction of my life if I wasn’t the one steering it? That realization forced me to confront my own inaction.
So, I decided to pack up my fear, silence my doubts, and take a leap. Before the courage could leave me, I applied to grad school. It was terrifying, and at the time, it felt like one of the hardest steps I’d ever taken. But looking back now, I can see that single decision was the start of something bigger than I could have imagined.
That step, though daunting, brought me to where I am today. It showed me that moving forward doesn’t require knowing every detail of the path ahead—sometimes, all it takes is trusting yourself enough to take the first step.
What Happens When You Stop Waiting
When you stop waiting and start taking action, something incredible happens: you take back control of your life.
You Feel Empowered: Instead of relying on others or waiting for perfect conditions, you start creating opportunities for yourself.
You Gain Clarity: Action breeds clarity. The more steps you take, the more you’ll learn about what you want and how to get it.
You Build Confidence: Every small action builds momentum and reinforces the belief that you’re capable of creating the life you want.
You Stop Resenting Others: Taking responsibility for your happiness helps you stop blaming others for not meeting your expectations.
Creating Your Own Journey
Here’s the challenge: what would it look like to stop waiting and start living?
1. Define Your Needs and Desires: Be honest about what you want—whether in relationships, work, or personal growth. Write it down. Get specific.
2. Communicate Clearly: If you’re in a relationship, let your partner know what you need. Be clear and compassionate, but don’t shy away from expressing yourself.
3. Take Small Steps: You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with manageable actions. Dreaming of a new career? Update your resume. Want more adventure? Plan a weekend trip.
4. Let Go of Perfection: Life will never be perfect, and that’s okay. Start where you are with what you have.
5. Embrace Uncertainty: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Trust yourself to handle whatever comes next.
What It Feels Like to Live Fully
Since deciding to step out of the shadow of fear, I can honestly say it feels freeing. There’s a powerful realization that comes with understanding the only thing holding you back is you.
Am I 100% there? No, and I probably never will be. But that’s okay. What matters is that I’m moving forward. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself, and I’m excited to see where this journey will lead.
To anyone still on hold, I encourage you to ask yourself why. What’s keeping you in that place? And when you’re ready, take the leap. Embrace the uncertainty, and enjoy the ride—you just might surprise yourself.
Final Thoughts
Waiting can feel safe, but it comes at a cost. By putting your life on hold, you’re missing out on the joy, growth, and fulfillment that come from living fully and authentically.
So here’s my question to you: what are you waiting for? What’s one small step you can take today to move your life forward?
It’s time to hang up the metaphorical phone and start creating the life you deserve—because you’re worth it