What do you think when you read those words? I can feel the flutter in the pit of my stomach though I’m not sure if that’s nausea because the term gets so overused these days or if it’s because I shudder at the thought of getting too comfortable these days. They’re both probably true. While this is an overused term, it is still the best way to describe the experience of staying on the edge and living with change and growth. It is how transformation occurs- after all, nothing can transform in a static, comfort state. What would be the motivation?
I have been living in a fluid state for quite some time now. It’s intentional: I am in a growth band that has me stretching and going places I never thought I’d go. It’s on purpose because I’m curious to see just how far I can go towards what I say I want. There are too many things I want to do so I have been intentionally keeping myself out of a comfort zone. I also find that I have more energy and get so much more done when I am in this edge place.
When my kids were little I remember feeling like we’d get to a routine and I’d get comfortable with it and then it would change. If you have kids then you know what I mean. When they’re babies they change so fast. One week they nap at 2 the next week they’re falling asleep by noon and sleeping for 4 hours because they’re in a growth spurt and just as you get used to that, bam! They’re now sleeping for 20 minutes and then wanting to play. So I learned not to take any of it for granted and to simply accept things as they were. Needless to say, it was easier to do that with the 2nd child than it was with the first.
I have written about this phenomenon before so it’s nothing new to this blog. I encourage people to challenge themselves all the time by breaking out of routines and staying in a state of “discomfort” long enough to allow transformation to occur. I showed a video in a workshop the other day called, “Celebrate What’s Right with The World” which is a 20 minute video illustrating the positive side of change, possibility and hope. For those of you who have participated in Living Forward work, you’ve probably seen it. I use it in workshops on leadership, change, accountability and so many others. It is appropriate on so many levels. Next month I am doing a 1 hour lunch and learn using the video again so if you live in the area, I would love to have you attend, even if you’ve seen it before, as I have many times, you would certainly benefit from watching it again. I know I do. See the bullet points below for what is in the video
· Believe it and you’ll see it ~ Recognize Abundance ~ Look for Possibilities ~ Unleash your Energy to Fix What’s Wrong ~ Ride the Changes
· Take Yourself to Your Edge ~ Be Your Best for the World
Or maybe your discomfort zone is speaking in front of others- public speaking. On Friday, April 26th I’m conducting a “Speaker’s Bootcamp” class for anyone who wants to improve their speaking skills. See the calendar tab on the new Living Forward website for details and to sign up.
You can now register for workshops and classes at the new Living Forward Website. I’d love to hear your feedback- Let me know what you think.
Best, Suzanne