The Risk of Staying Closed in a Bud
Summary
It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and risk being disappointed again. We've been there before and don't like it. Yes it's painful at times, but we learn from these past disappointments, which contribute to who we are today. We explore possibilities that we never considered before. We experience an aliveness that we've never felt before.
Letters on Life #171
The Risk of Staying Closed in a Bud
At some point in our life we ask ourselves if we are living the life we really want. If we are honest with ourselves very few of us can yes to that question. Most, if not all of us, settle for what we have. We make up a story with variations that explains why our life is the way it is. It might sound like this:
"If it were meant to happen, it would have by now."
"I'm too old."
"I'm too ..."
At other times, it might be, "It's good enough," or "I should be grateful for what I have." I'm sure you have your own unique version.
We'll all been disappointed at times probably more than we would have preferred. That's made us cautious. We play it safe and don't take as many risks as we once did.
The fear of being disappointed again, keeps many of us confined to a constricted comfort zone. So we stay stuck in the dead end career or toxic relationship, which does give us a sense of identity, although a limiting sense.
It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and risk being disappointed again. We've been there before and don't like it. Yes it's painful at times, but we learn from these past disappointments, which contribute to who we are today. We explore possibilities that we never considered before. We experience an aliveness that we've never felt before.
As my friend Kent once said, "I'm still getting the blows, but they don't hurt as much."
They are part of the inevitable flow of life. What hurts more, is living in fear of what might occur, if we break out of our confining cocoon.
Anais Nin says it in this way, "And the day came when the pain to remain closed in a bud, became more painful than the risk to blossom."
We are much more than our challenges. Let the challenges strengthen you and inspire you to become the person you have always wanted to be, that person that is waiting on the back burner to be ignited once again.
To Dream -again
To Dare -again
To feel enjoyment and happiness -again
or for the very first time.
There is no better time than NOW!
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Mark Susnow, knows change. At the turn of the new millennium, he transitioned from a successful career as a trial attorney to what he does now as a life coach and strategist
and thought-leader inspiring others to believe in themselves.
He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. He integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation and playing music.
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