Passports... 

They are funny little things, aren't they? Governmental permission slips to travel, like a hall pass or a bathroom key, except way more official.

We just applied for two passports today for the Middleborn and The Baby. I giggled as the application asked me to divulge, "where are you traveling to and when?"

I dunno, I thought. (Insert big shoulder shrug here.)  I don't have it figured out, yet.

You see, one may apply for a passport way before one decides where they are going or even before one has saved up enough for that trip. 

So that's what we did. We took one step, and applied for passports.

Here's what you need to know about taking little steps toward your bigger goals:

     1.  They aren't free; sometimes they cost you something.

We paid for our passports. They were about $250 total once we calculated all the fees involved. It's not a huge cost, but it's significant to a family on a budget. However, we decided that cost was worth it.

     2. They aren't always easy and they may not feel significant, but they move you forward.

 It took us some work; we had to fill out forms, gather proof of citizenship, get a passport picture, and go in person to an office to apply. Lots of these little tedious tasks had me running all over San Diego this week.

     3.  Small steps often require low commitment. 

You don't have to rearrange your life plans, just yet. You can feel progress is being made, without risking a lot at first. 

To us, getting the kids' passports was a preparatory step to traveling internationally, which is part of the dream we have for our future. 

Do you have something you are dreaming of doing?

A goal you've put off?

A desire that seems impractical, but you just can't stop thinking about?

You don't have to throw all caution to the wind.

Just take a small, preparatory step. 

• Call a realtor. 
• Fill out that admissions application.
• Take that business course. 
• Apply for that job. 
• Make that phone call. 
• Attend that conference. 
• Create that web page. 
• Tell someone your crazy idea.

That baby step that moves you toward your "thing"...Yeah, do that.

After all, I have no idea if we'll ever leave the country as part of our travel adventure. Those freshly ordered passports may just sit in a drawer somewhere. 

But I'll be ready for an opportunity, if one arises.

And that's one thing living this life has taught me: just be open and ready.

I want you to be ready, too. 

Go on. You know whatever it is for you. Chances are, you're already thinking about that next step right now. 

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