Not Smooth Sailing

When you take responsibility for your life, serendipitous events unfold and lead you to awaken your inherent wisdom.

 

At this level you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and meet life with passion and fervour. Here’s an all too common scenario that plays out in people’s lives, illustrating how settling sometimes can lead to apathy and comfort.

Life tosses you lemons — well at least that’s what you suspect from where you stand. You may be sick and tired of being in rut. Feeling uninspired — emotionally drained and lacking direction. Don’t despair since you may simply be experiencing an internal shift.

From time to time, you may suffer periods of uncertainty, which on the surface appears as though your world is sinking. You might feel helpless and unable to navigate your journey ahead.

Though you can’t quite put your finger on it, something isn’t quite right — you know that part at least. Life seems harder and requires more effort than usual. Everything is a chore. You feel emotional turbulence at the slightest episode when things don’t go according to plan.

Rest assured life isn’t always smooth sailing. Seeking refuge in that statement liberates us from having to push against the forces of life. Like any journey, the intention to reach one’s destination is typically heralded by a goal or a plan, though you may not anticipate the rough waters ahead. That is, you might have to sail your boat in uncharted waters to reach your final destination. Life’s journey is filled with countless lessons, which many fail to concede when embroiled in their drama.

Change Is Debilitating

I wish to remind you that contained within every effort, every step, and every so called failure draws you closer to your treasure – you pot of gold. Nothing is wasted. No effort has been in vain.

There is a rhythm and timing to the universe you must abide with if you wish to realise your potential. With that in mind stepping out of your comfort zone may be paralysing to some, since there is a level of anxiety associated with uncertainty.

You become accustomed to the familiar that to rock the boat, destabilises your equilibrium. Author Neale Donald Walsch of the acclaimed spiritual book series, Conversations With God reminds us: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Dealing with uncertainty and change can be debilitating in terms of your imposed stress, yet seemingly to live a compelling future requires stepping out of the familiar to reach new horizons. The image below illustrates how your comfort level is associated with your desire for change. Typically the stronger the desire for change, the more discomfort you feel, as you move toward the unknown.

Similarly, depicted in the quote by Lao Tzu is a reminder to allow the process of life to unfold without adding your drama to it: “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them — that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

Remember, it is your response to life which is paramount to the level of personal growth you undertake. Most people thrive in ideal situations, although this does not test one’s character. Your response to life’s uncertainties determines your level of inner growth, especially when the tides are against you.

For example, entrepreneurs require confidence to never give up on their plan or vision, since the economic forces are constantly against them. There must be an inherent self–belief, an unyielding motivation and a desire to prevail. I encourage you to adopt a similar quality in your pursuit to step out of your comfort zone.

Do not rest on your laurels since it is easy — remember, easy is not where the fruit of your success lies. You must be willing to take risks, whether big or small and gradually move in the direction of your dreams. Moreover, I invite you to think big and act big, to gain the greater rewards in life.

“Life happens to those who are willing to LIVE beyond their comfort zone!“