Most of us do not attempt to squeeze our feet into shoes that are several sizes too small and obviously don’t fit us anymore. We realize that wearing shoes that no longer fit us will hurt our feet and could even damage them. Why then do we continue to force fit ourselves into certain situations that we’ve obviously outgrown spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally? When we’ve grown and stretched as a person, there comes a time to release the aspects of our life that no longer advance us. We must find the courage and strength to let go. We must give ourselves permission to admit that we are now beyond where we once were, and that certain people, things, circumstances, and situations no longer serve our greater good. This can include friends, habits, traditions, lovers, partners, homes, jobs, etc.
Don’t force yourself to keep carrying aspects of your life forward when they are better left behind. Too many people force themselves to stay in relationships that are toxic, unhealthy, unsupportive, and stagnant. We are meant to be in a state of peace and contentment. Our life is meant to learn from, to grow within, and to advance to wiser levels. This includes our relationships, bodies, health, wealth, career, home, and location. Sometimes we need to let go of aspects of our life that we’ve “outgrown.” Perhaps we are holding onto a job that no longer challenges us, where we are not learning anything new. We’ve essentially mastered our role, and even new projects/duties don’t help to add to our skillset to elevate our career to the next level. Maybe you aren’t considering relocating or moving out of your current living space because it is comfortable to you.
Comfort is an enemy to advancement and growth. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of comfort simply because it feels safe and familiar to you. Consciously push yourself to approach something new. This doesn’t mean that we have to cold turkey our current situation and dive full force into something new. No. Granting yourself permission to attempt something new brings with it a freshness.
Approaching a new relationship, job, situation, and/or activity is harmless. This can be started by simply researching some information online. You might attend a workshop or training session to learn a little more about something that interests you. You could participate in a dating event or attend a party. You may even go online and research new jobs with a title that you desire to add to your resume. Whatever aspect it is that you have outgrown and need to continue to progress in can be approached safely and in a non-threatening manner. Casually learn about it, so that you can understand it better, and this will give you a clearer perspective on it. For example, if you are tired of your current job and start looking at the want ads or register on a job search site, then you will have a better understanding of what other opportunities are available. Doing this alone will either entice you to look at even more opportunities or to settle back into your current role, and appreciate it more than you were prior to starting the job search.
The main message here is for each of us to get out of our own way. We often are the barricade to our own progress in life. We may be the hinderance between misery and contentment. It has been said that “on the other side of fear is bliss.” Instead of holding yourself back from the next level of your life lessons simply for the sake of fear, comfort, and familiarity, we should instead allow ourselves to advance by trying something novel. New things always, in time, become the familiar. In the shoe example, this would mean putting away the old pair of shoes that don’t fit well anymore. Perhaps they are worn out and aren’t providing the style nor support that we need for our feet. Basically, they don’t fit our needs anymore. The time has come to do away with that pair of shoes, and to try on a new pair until we find shoes that do fit and feel well and do fulfill the needs of our feet. If the shoes do not fit anymore, put them away and get new shoes that do fit well. With time the new shoes will become the norm. You’ll get comfortable wearing the new shoes. If you find that even the new shoes don’t quite fit well, then you can try on another new pair of shoes. You aren’t stuck to any pair of shoes. The same goes for all aspects of our lives. We aren’t glued to our relationship, job, family, home, etc. You can always make changes. It’s not scary, it’s necessary for our advancement and trajectory. Give yourself permission to grow to the next level. Out with the old and in with the new!
Image Source: https://twitter.com/teachergoals/status/681616295650045952