With my post from last week, “A Step Outside,” my primary focus was to say that we really need to live more fearlessly and take more risks, to get out of our comfort zones. However, if you’re like me, your mind immediately goes to the thought that I have to already be in a certain place in life, or have already achieved certain things before I can do something bold. Do you ever feel like you have to have $100,000+ in your 401K before you take the leap and quit your job? Do you ever feel that it would be better to adopt a child after your biological kids are grown and gone? I’m sure there are an infinite number of things we could all do when the time felt right or the resources were there or the stars were in perfect alignment and you had no doubt in your mind that it was time to take the leap, right?

Well, as you’ve probably figured out, comfort zones are just as their name suggests, areas in our lives where we are most comfortable, safe, content. If you ask me, I strongly feel that whoever introduced the concept of a comfort zone should be shunned from society. (Dramatic, I know.) Think about how much fear and trepidation we all have in our lives because we’re aware that we feel good in situations where we’re most comfortable and used to being in. When we are put in a situation that scares us or makes us feel bad or guilty, that same awareness causes us to want to work harder to avoid these situations in the future. When we do that, we drastically reduce the level of quality life experiences we will have in the future because we are blindly saying no to things unseen.

I feel like that sums it all up, which means this will not be a long post, but I want to close with two verses in the Bible that really come to mind when thinking about comfort zones:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

As much as it seems there was no possibility that I could’ve written anymore about comfort zones than I did last week, it’s pouring out of me because I’m in the midst of my biggest comfort zone battle myself and God is revealing an overwhelming number of piercing truths as to why now, more than ever, I need to not shy away and instead, dive right into the eye of the storm and just trust that it will be okay.

With that said, I am encouraged (and hope you are, too) to change the way I start my day and to say that, with some exception, let’s not miss anymore opportunities to try new things or be afraid to fail. The satisfaction over time of knowing that you’ve gained wisdom, perseverance, thicker skin, patience, is an amazing feeling because you know that you went out, you dared to try something, and regardless of the outcome, you’re better for it.

As the age-old saying goes, “Wherever you are, be all there.”

PODCAST UPDATE:

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that I’ve landed on a name for my new podcast, and am putting the finishing touches on the cover art that you will see when you go to subscribe in iTunes. I have several interviews lined up with great guests and intriguing topics, and all that’s left for me to do is polish the last few details, practice what I’ve been preaching ^^^^ and hit “RECORD!” Can’t wait for you to join me on this new venture!