Why I Almost Missed Machu Picchu

Picture this: one year ago, a friend asked me to join her on a trip to Machu Picchu.

Before I even said a word, my mind went to work.
​Where will my youngest be in his schedule?
What if my husband isn’t available?
What if I’m in the middle of a launch?

Within seconds—not minutes or hours—I had pulled up a dozen reasons why I should wait. Why it wasn’t a good time.

The irony?

I was the one who had long before encouraged her to make a list of what she wanted for her future.

I had even shared as an example to get her started my own dream of walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu one day.

Through our conversations, she had finally decided to take her first month-long sabbatical.

A big deal.

She’s the CEO of a large company, with responsibilities that never seem to let up.

But by continually repeating her vision—“I am the leader of experts who are capable of running and growing a healthy, thriving business without me”—she prepared her leaders, carved out the space, and was ready to live her dream.

Now—she was handing the invitation back to me.
“Do you want to go?”

And suddenly, I realized something: how easy it is to wait.

To tell ourselves “someday.”
To believe the timing isn’t right.
To assume we’ll feel more ready later.

But here’s the truth: you’ll never feel truly ready.
There’s never a perfect time.

You have to jump first… and trust you’ll figure it out.
Because you will. You always do.

So let me ask you:

👉 What’s the thing you’re still waiting to do?

• Make that important call
• Repair (or release) a relationship
• Take the trip you keep talking about
• Start the business or passion project
• Ask for the raise or promotion
• Begin the book, podcast, or creative work
• Say “I’m sorry” or “I love you”
• Prioritize your health — finally
• Move, relocate, or redesign your life
• Forgive someone (or yourself)
  ​

Write it down. Share it with someone. They just might become the accountability partner you need to finally say, “Let’s go for it together.”

And if you’ve been waiting on something meant just for you, then ask yourself: “If not now, when?” Give it a date.

Because life doesn’t wait.
And neither should you.

In just a few weeks, I’m heading out on that trip I’ve thought about for the last 25 years. Proving it’s never too late — but don’t continue to wait.

Let me know what you’re no longer waiting to experience or do. I can’t wait to hear from you!

ALL my best!

~ Rita