Defy the Comfort Zone

Bear with me as I develop my writing skills and learn to put my thoughts, ideas and words down on paper.  I know that I have grown and developed in so many ways over the past ten years, and for that I am grateful and ready to share my lessons learned. As I sit at my desk this morning, I am struggling as I stare at a blank word document. The cursor is blinking vigorously at me begging me and taunting me to just start writing something, yet nothing is coming to mind. I am feeling blank and at a loss for words, am I really this empty inside to where I can find nothing to say or write about. However, that dang cursor remains staring back at me, batting its evil blank page eyes at me...

I have begun to enter words, to clear the blank page that is before me and just write! I am not a writer, never really have been, but I do know that I have things to offer and plenty of love, support and encouragement to give. I have always been a very reserved woman, not always finding it easy to open up or share my thoughts and feelings with others, but that was a huge reason why I wanted to start a blog in the first place. I want to grow and develop into the best Alissa that I can be, which means that I am constantly finding ways to grow, put myself out there and challenge myself in ways that I never dreamed of.

I have been so amazed over the years at just how much a person can push past the point of what they thought to be her breaking point. Many challenges can be overcome by just putting your mind to it, digging down deep and, yes - living to tell about it. I have put myself out there, challenged my breaking points and guess what... I have lived through it and have honestly come out a better, wiser person because of the challenges. I have found out just how strong I can be, both mentally and physically. 

My decision to go back to school while in my 30’s was a huge risk and undertaking for me. I went way outside of what was comfortable for me. I really had no desire to go back to school; in my mind, I was done.  I thought that that part of my life was in the books, and I was supposed to be in complete “adulting” mode. However, God and life had a much different plan for my life. 

I had a passion and desire to seek more and desire more out of life. I knew that I was designed to love and care for people, so with that at the forefront of my mind, I took the plunge and went back to school, lunch pale and all!

No, it was not easy at all, and at times I questioned if I had made the right decision. However, in the end, it was all worth it and I would not be who I am today if I had not pushed past my comfort zone and did what scared me! I am doing what I love and was called to do, and if I had stayed in my comfort zone I would not have allowed myself to grow, develop and achieve what I have today. I would have been stuck in the same old ruts that our comfort zones tend to keep us in.

I think that too often we shy away from things that challenge us, not wanting to take the hard road, but always opting for the easy road. However, growth never happens on the easy road. The easy road is full of passing dreams, goals and ultimately a wasted life. We are created to be so much more, to do and live for His purpose and not our own. Life was not designed to just coast by, but to be a part of something larger than ourselves.

Do what scares you, don’t be so afraid to push your boundaries.  You would be amazed at what the human body can do and overcome.  Surround yourself with the right individuals, true supporters of you and what you are striving to accomplish!