Take a look at some of those problems of yours, those changes you desire in yourself, and observe your way of going about it. See how you attempt to bring about change-both in yourself and in others- through the use of punishment and reward, through discipline and control, through sermonizing and guilt, through greed and pride, ambitions and vanity, rather than through loving acceptance and patience, painstaking understanding and vigilant awareness. – The way to Love, Anthony de Mello
You can achieve more and improve more not by focusing on what you lack, but in noticing and becoming aware of what works. I know it works for me to exercise and do something hard. I love to be challenged and to be able to push through the barriers of what I thought were possible for me. It is so liberating to break your limiting beliefs. I thought I would never be able to ride a bike, or that I would not even want to, yet mountain biking has proven to be such a great outlet for me to not only think and meditate, but to push my body and to be in nature. Speaking in front of strangers was not something I ever aspired to do, however when I was put in the situation twice in the past year, it was so exhilarating and exciting to do something that was outside my comfort zone!
The bike riding was the result of an intention of mine to do it, but the speaking was just chance. I did not expect it yet it was and is equally as thrilling! My learning is that no matter if I orchestrate the challenge or it is serendipitously brought to me, it will be an amazing experience.
I look for and open myself to challenges. It helps to know that breaking out of the comfort zone you will face a decision point where you will need to move through and not fall back. It helps to know that our entire psyche is pushing towards comfort. It helps to know that the comfort zone is actually a prison, keeping the light of adventure and life out of my vision. I worked so hard to make everything safe and comfy, but like a too soft couch, I sometimes fall in so deep that it takes great effort to get out.
Step one is to fuel my body well so that it can operate at optimum
Step one is to get out in nature through walking the dogs, hiking, and bike riding
Step one is to love myself and know that I am right where I need to be
Step one is to be grateful for the life, health, family and world that I live in
Change is inevitable, growth is optional.