In the morning my mind comes alive. It begins to think of those things that are possible. It is the waking of who I am. Some mornings begin with many thoughts of the day ahead and sometimes it begins with a solitary thought that abruptly awakens me from my dreams. Such was today’s awakening. The thought of taking the correct path in life flooded into my brain waves.
There have been times that I have not recognized the correct path for me. There have been times I have chosen a path that seemed wrong, that seemed scary, that seemed alien, that seemed dangerous and yet, I continued down the path. Many times we are told to go outside of “our” comfort zone and perhaps that is true for some, but in my experience sometimes outside of “my” comfort zone is where danger lurks and bad decisions and bad behavior live.
It can be a place where life can be cruel and unforgiving. It is a path I can no longer willingly chose to go down. I would prefer to stay on my path of safety, within my comfort zone. Perhaps venturing off the path when I feel it is safe to do so.
It will be my choice and no one else’s. I will let others veer onto their own paths and if that means I need to bid them farewell in doing so, that is what I shall do. I, unfortunately, cannot put myself at risk any longer venturing down paths that are not safe for me. The years I have been on the planet I have learned that my comfort zone is there to help me, to guide me, and innately knows the difference between what is right and wrong for me. Perhaps everyone is not blessed with a sense of danger when given options of navigating out of their comfort zone. Sometimes that innate feeling is there to save us from ourselves and I believe mine is attempting to do just that, if I only listen.
It is time to listen and follow the path that was designed for me for I am the only one that can take it. I have, and will meet many on the way. In my interactions some will nurture me, some will love me, some will hate me, and some will not think a thing about me. My time with each may be a lifetime or may be comprised of short, sometimes too brief, visits. All I encounter will be on the path of a life that is worth living and is uniquely mine to wander down.
This! It is my life. I have ventured outside my comfort zone, but when I found myself to far off center I scurried back. I, like you, recognize my boundaries as guardrails to keep me from going from wandering to straying. I value you, dear friend. I surround myself with people who are wise and positive.
Always be true to yourself!
So understand that going down the path that didn’t make your heart sing. I have been there , love what you have shared xxx
Thank you Suzie. I am sure there will still be times I venture down the wrong path but I do think I’m beginning to get wiser about when to stop and turn around.
I love this piece of writing. As a coach who has endured quite a lot of trauma, I am a supporter of doing things in the zone of comfort, especially for women. That is the zone of their creative explosiveness, when they feel safe. it might not be the same for men, however, lately the discussion of psychological safety in corporations and organizations have become prominent so i am leaning towards the fact that it is from our zones of comfort that we do our best work. these paradigms of pushing through always leave some personal collateral damage and never empower a whole human being.
Exactly! I do think that the comfort zone is different for men and women. Perhaps even the description is different. I love the term “psychological safety” you use. I have encountered many times when the natural flight has overtaken fight. In the end…I’m not a fighter so I will take flight more frequently. I just wish for a world where there was peace and I didn’t feel the need for fight as much. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Raissa, you are so right. Many of us prefer to sat on the path that makes us feel safe within our comfort zone. However, daring to step out of that comfort zone is a real learning experience. But, you are right, it does not mean we have to stay there. We should listen to our inner-guidance.
Interesting concept of standing still while in my comfort zone. I believe I move forward still but just watch more acutely for impending danger along the way. I’ve also noticed that dipping my toes into the water first is better than diving in. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Raissa – The exciting and importsnt part of our journey on this Earth is who we meet along the way – not the twists and turns that are there to help us grow as a person. The growth is important but the people we touch along the way will shape how we will be remembered. Your essay expresses this thought so well. Thanks.
Thank you Len. I am just discovering there is a difference between who I am and what I do. At the heart of who I am is an artist and a writer and it is that which I would chose to be remembered by. Growth is so much easier when you are stretching towards the sun.
Discovering your passion and purpose starts the journey – now enjoy. You have found the path to happiness.
A great affirmation. Love this! a good morning to you my friend from Larry
Thank you Larry! A very good morning to you.