“Say goodbye to this energy of fear that keeps us safe but small.” ― Panache Desai
I was at the Dentist last week with my daughter and the Dentist who is young, intelligent and extremely capable, was telling us how she didn’t finish her training as an Orthodondist because she knows her limitations and that there are people better suited to this job.
Do we know our limitations? Are we certain that at a particular point we are done and are now safe to stay in that place? It made me question my own life and how I keep a safe zone in certain areas and yet, in doing so I may be missing out on wonderful opportunities to test my boundaries and discover there is so much more to expand and experience.
In testing my boundaries I become vulnerable and exposed to the opinion of others, but once I move through these emotions and let go of my need of approval or fear of failure, I can begin to feel more confident in my choices and in knowing it is possible to leave this safety.
I think we forget that our comfort zone is often just fear of stepping out into the unknown and of challenging ourselves beyond the belief of who we think we are. Our wounds from the past and our self-belief keep us locked up and unable to believe we can do more or be more.
Breaking out of our comfort zone is not without it’s challenges, still, we may never know what is behind the door until we open it and when we do, we may find some amazing dreams unfold because we took a chance.
“Life always begins with one step outside of your comfort zone.” – Shannon L Alder
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
What a coincidence — I received a series of meditations by Panache Desai nearly a year ago as a premium for a public radio station. Just today I moved them to my iPod so I can start listening.
I know that my limitations are all self-made, like your dentist. It is so odd. In my heart I know I am so much more than my “rational” mind conceives.
That is a coincidence! Panache is great and has a lot of wisdom to share. You are right MK, it’s that ogre in our mind that keeps us from being so much more.
Karen
Panache Desai has come into my life recently and I am loving his gentle-voiced wisdom. I’m thinking he is a welcome messenger from God. 🙂
He must be indeed Eliza, thankyou for your comment.
Karen
It’s so true Karen. Yet, every now and then, I slip back into my safety zone for a bit. I don’t know if that’s so bad… ❤
Diana xo
It’s not bad at all. You are definitely a mover Diana and often step out of your comfort zone, like the change in your wardrobe from black to colour! One of many examples!!
Karen
Challenges bring us to life!! Its amazing the stories we tell ourselves to keep us from not being vulnerable to the unknown.
Great post Karen 🙂
Yes our mind is wonderful at convincing us to stay where we are! I love that challenges bring us to life too! Thankyou for your understanding of this Val.
Karen
Val has found the perfect words: “challenges bring us to life”! I especillay like S.Adler’s quote. Our “comfort zone” may become a prison if we don’t try (and accept) to become vulnerable as you say. Great post Karen! Thank you 🙂
Thankyou Frederic, this quote is very true. The prison is our mind and the only way to break free is to challenge those comfort zones and thoughts that keep us there. Have a wonderful weekend.
Karen
Karen I was always the safe one and now as I age gracefully I seem to be pushing my boundaries. Five years ago if someone had told me my future and said you will be writing and illustrating a picture book I would have laughed at them. I am now realising each dream takes time and I am enjoying the learning along the way.
So good to hear Kath and it’s unusual, as a lot of people as they age, find they are more fearful to step out into the unknown because they have always reacted the same way! So you go girl, as you have much to give the universe!
Karen I don’t know why? I suddenly realised its now or never I guess.
There is only “now” so you are right!
Must thank you for this post. Opened it today with my morning coffee, and surprisingly it replied me to some questions I’ve bee running in my thoughts for a while. We always know we need to make that one step outside of our comfort zone, but we normally spend some time pausing. It’s like entering the cold water pool, and finally deciding to immerse your whole self into the water, to begin the joyful swim! 🙂
Hahaha just thank you )
Hi Sofia and thankyou for your comment. I love your analogy of the cold water, step by step we enter slowly, until we fully immerse into our potential! I am glad we connected.
Karen
Me too 🙂 Likewise!
Safe zones… Do they exist? Loved the post and the questions it invoked in my mind. Thank you for the inspiring posts and for being beautiful you! 🙂
Yes good point Joe, as I think our safety zones only exist in our minds as illusions and prevent us from moving forward. Thankyou for your comment!