Out of the Comfort Zone
Whether we are aware of it or not, we all have our own unique comfort zone. Not surprisingly, it is where we feel comfortable and at ease. Here we know how to handle the circumstances and situations presented to us. Our comfort zone is our safe space. It is much more than a physical place. It encompasses everything, including our relationships, holiday destinations, work and living environment.
Thoughts and beliefs can be so powerful that we want to hold on to the borders; keeping us from even considering to step out of or expand our comfort zone. They can slow down our growth and prevent us from stepping forward on our path.
Ever since I was a young child, my dad reminded me that fear is a bad counselor, encouraging me to question my thoughts and beliefs. Did they stem from fear? If so, they were best ignored.
My mom frequently told me kan niet ligt op het kerkhof en wil niet ligt ernaast, which translates as: cannot lies in the graveyard and will not lies next to it. Powerful as it is, it has missed its purpose during my early years. I would have sworn that my mom said that Annie was lying in the graveyard with Willie next to her. Being more of a quiet, introspective child, I have spent many hours wondering why my mom wanted my aunt Annie - who was at that time still alive - to lie next to my - indeed deceased - aunt Willie. Only many years later, after it dawned on me, what she had been saying, I could truly connect with her wise words and use them to my advantage in challenging situations.
Over the years my comfort zone has greatly expanded. Time and again, I have been challenged to step out of it, to broaden my view, to dive head first into the unknown and to explore new grounds; both literally and figuratively speaking.
I happily admit that I like spending time in my comfort zone, especially in the time following an expansion. It is great fun to explore the added areas, to try out new skills and to get familiar with them. However, the joy of a safe environment, where I am not being tested is never long-lived. As soon as the rushing river turns into a babbling brook I tend to get bored and restless; my feet become itchy. Either I need to travel places or I need to step forward on my (inner) path.
Quitting my job, following the flow of life crisscrossing the world, starting a travel agency in Mali, publishing my books and starting this Substack are among the situations where I pushed back the borders of my comfort zone, inviting in new experiences. Fears I faced before setting each of the steps, dissolved as soon as I took the decision to go for it. Road blocks were lifted and borders flung wide open; obstacles had mainly existed in my head.
I have enjoyed spending much of 2024 in my comfort zone. In gratitude I look back at all that the year has offered me: a yoga retreat in India, meeting amazing people, quality time with family and friends, travels and a nice hike, to name a few. I close the book of 2024 with more inner peace, compassion and a wide open heart.
The borders of no-man’s-land are wide open. 2025 beckons. It invites me to step out of my comfort zone, to fill the still empty pages of the new book. Is it about expanding and shifting the borders? Or is it time to let go of them altogether? Do I dare step off the map, into uncharted territory and embrace everything as my comfort zone?
Encouraged by my team of spirit guides, I am taking a leap of faith. Inshallah, in September I am speaking on stage at Op Hodenpijl to an audience of hundreds of people. What I will be speaking about? I trust for that to become clear in the time ahead. I feel confident that the year-long training, facilitated by Frank Ruesink - trainer, coach, speaker, family man and loving rebel - will provide all I need to step forward on my path, with confidence, love, compassion and faith.
May your new year be blessed with love, compassion, beauty, abundance and happiness. Expand your comfort zone and make 2025 your best year so far.
Thank you for being here with me.
Happy Holidays
For more information about Frank Ruesink and his activities: www.liefdevolrebelleren.nl