"Las líneas laterales no son donde quieres vivir tu vida."

Life is meant to be lived fully, not observed from the sidelines. This idea captures the essence of active participation versus passive observation. It's like being in a sports game—if you only sit on the bench, you miss out on the thrill, the challenges, and the growth that comes from playing. Living on the sidelines means avoiding risks, shying away from opportunities, and not fully engaging with the world around you. Instead, stepping into the field, with all its uncertainties and rewards, is where you truly live.

Think about why someone would say this. Maybe they’ve seen too many people holding back, letting fear or doubt keep them from chasing their dreams. Or perhaps they've experienced it themselves, realizing later how much they missed out on because they didn't take that leap. It’s a call to action—don't let life pass you by. Grab it with both hands and dive in.

Let's look at a real-life example: imagine a woman named Sarah. Sarah always wanted to start her own bakery. She loves baking, has countless unique recipes, and dreams of sharing her creations with the world. But, year after year, she stays in her safe, albeit monotonous, office job. She tells herself it’s too risky, that she can’t afford to fail. Sarah is living on the sidelines. One day, after much soul-searching (and a bit of nudging from friends), she decides to go for it. She quits her job, starts small, and slowly, her bakery gains popularity. Sure, there were tough times—sleepless nights, financial worries—but the joy she feels when customers rave about her cakes? Priceless. Sarah stepped off the sidelines and into the game.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? First, identify where you’re holding back. What dreams or goals have you sidelined because of fear or comfort? Next, take small steps towards them. You don’t have to make a giant leap right away; start by dipping your toes in the water. Join a class, research, network with people in the field. The key is to move from thinking to doing.

Imagine this relatable scenario: You're at a party, and everyone’s dancing. You love dancing but feel self-conscious about your moves. So you stand by, tapping your foot, nodding to the beat, but not really joining in. The night goes on, people are having fun, and you're just there—watching. Now think—how would it feel to just jump in? To let go, laugh at yourself, and dance like nobody’s watching? Maybe you’d stumble a bit, maybe you’d have the time of your life. But you’d be in it, experiencing it, not just watching.

Life is like that dance floor. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes awkward. But staying on the sidelines? That’s not living. So whatever it is—starting a business, traveling, learning a new skill, or even just speaking up more—don’t just sit and watch. Get out there. Make mistakes. Grow. Live.

In the end, it’s about taking that leap, even when it’s scary. After all, you only get one shot at life. Don’t spend it watching from the sidelines. Jump in, get your hands dirty, and live it fully.