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Living outside of one’s comfort zone is by definition inconvenient and uncomfortable. That is the reason you need to challenge yourself every day to do something that is inconvenient. Living beyond what is convenient can add spice to your life.
By definition, convenience is created to make us comfortable.
How important is comfort to you when you go shop, eat out or seek pleasure?
We tend to take the path of least resistance. It has become so much a part of our society that we now even hesitate to get out of our cars to do anything. Then we have to pay to get a workout at a gym.
Our comfort zones are convenient. We stay in the same little circle with the same people and do the same things. This means that we need to take an exciting vacation to challenge the sense of boredom.
'Choose to do something every day that takes you out of your comfort zone. See what happens to the rest of your life.' The Hope LadyClick To TweetI have a free challenge for you. What scares you? What would you rather not do?
Make a list and then start challenging those fears.
Take steps every day to do something that you have not done before.
Is it public speaking? Then volunteer to speak at your next gathering.
What do you fear? Then attack it with fervor and do it anyway.
Who said life was supposed to be convenient? Who said that we need to make it easy?
I am challenged today to die to myself and my convenience. I will no longer stay away from doing what I have been called to do. I will not play small. I will use every single gift I possess with full capacity and enthusiasm.
What about you? What challenges you? What inconveniences you?
Please put your comments below.
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Over the years, Karen Sebastian-Wirth has lovingly cared for her mother-in-love, mother, father and husband. She certainly has learned the lessons of hope in what can become a treacherous ride over some rough waters. You will enjoy her candid approach to self nurture and the practical ways to take care of yourself. Her new book The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride is now available.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
I am uncomfortable at work most days, still. After I’ve been there a few years, it might be easier, but probably not. I don’t want to be comfortable with children and families who get separated due to finances or death. I don’t want to be comfortable with the idea of child abuse and domestic abuse. I don’t want to be comfortable with people struggling to keep their family together because there’s only one parent, and that parent has stage four cancer. I work with different cultures, different countries, different languages, with LGBTQ, with the elderly and young. It’s terribly inconvenient and often out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined, but rewarding. Useful.
And after using up all that energy and effort, the thought of having to go out in public and get groceries defeats me. I suppose it’s the day to day life stuff that’s my challenge.
Jae,
Since you put it that way – I agree you should not be comfortable with injustice. For you then, the out of your comfort zone is to challenge what is going on. I am so glad that you are right where you are. Totally a God thing though not convenient. You are a HOPE Ambassador in a dark place. I had a job like that once. I came to terms that while it was draining God has a purpose for me to be there. Praying for joy in the midst of it all so going to the store can be fun!!!!! Thanks for stopping by. You are amazing!!!!
Karen
This is so true and so good! Thanks for sharing… we have gotten, as a society, way too comfortable.
Misty,
Thank for stopping by! I will be delighted to go comment on your post in reciprocal fashion.
You are blessing me so much for stopping by.
Karen
What scares me isn’t dyin’,
but pain who’s end’s unknown.
Don’t want m’wife catch me cryin’
and needin’ a Manhood Loan.
I want to be the badass jerk
who laughs at blood and gore
the hard and young and cynical Turk
that I was before.
But the ground’s unsteady under me
and my feet will fail me soon
dropping me on bended knee
of weakness turned my boon,
for however belligerent my tone,
I really can’t do this alone.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/01/your-dying-spouse-572-lump-fmf.html
Andrew,
What an amazing poem – needs to be a song! (If it’s a favorite – please forgive my ignorance). You are not alone! Praying for you!!!!
Karen
Yes, I always wish for things to be easier, but easier or more convenient would not be God’s best for me. Things that scare me are the unknown and unplanned
Things that I have no control over. Thank you for the encouragement.
Jolene,
Thanks for stopping by. Love your perspective!
Karen
Oh I love this, Karen! (I mean… you know… I love it and I hate it!) 😉 I remember a few years ago when God started whispering to me, “But who told you that you could have a Comfort Zone?”
Karrilee,
I get the whole love/hate with comfort zones. You are doing an amazing job every week in answer to that whisper. I know I am agreeing with your Heavenly Father when I tell you that we are proud of you! Hugs.
Karen