STRETCH

STRETCHING doesn’t have to just involve physical motion. I’m talking about stretching yourself – moving outside of your box, shifting your comfort zone, trying something new. It’s hard work. It’s uncomfortable. It’s scary. But it’s also crucial to your wellbeing and success.

Many clients come to me with a desire to be pushed out of their comfort zone, to be challenged to stretch to a new level. Allowing this stretch gives you the chance to grow. Not only does it boost your confidence each time you successfully step into a new experience, it broadens your perception of the world. Your well of experience is suddenly deepened and you become more connected to your courage. Feeling the nconfidence boost after the work is done can be a lasting experience.

Living fearlessly is a troublesome topic. Some have no desire, some don’t know how, some want it so bad but are just plain…scared! My wise sister often says, “do something everyday that scares you.” Scary can be going to lunch by yourself, quitting your job or skydiving. Big or small, doing something outside of your ordinary routine can be intimidating.

I’d like to challenge you to try this. Each day, make a phone call you’ve been avoiding, spend some time alone or try something new. Aside from confidence, your sense of fearlessness grows. In no time, you’ll be challenging yourself with new goals. Sitting still will no longer be a habit because new interests will pop up. New passions will surface.

It’s easy to say that climbing is a passion of mine. Does it scare me? Absolutely. If the climb itself doesn’t scare me, the fear of falling or struggling does. So, why do I do it? Accomplishing a hard climb, trying a new route, improving my strength and skill result in a pay off far greater than the fear involved. I was scared of heights when I started and absolutely scared of the unknown.

When you think about it, what isn’t scary about the unknown? How much of our time do we spend trying to see every possible angle, preparing ourselves for an outcome we can’t predict? What a waste of energy! Let it go. Let life happen and learn to indulge.
I’m practicing this concept as well. I do a lot of fearless activities, but I’m surrounded by individuals more fearless tha
I. Allow yourself to be challenged. Open your mind and test your limits. Be safe, be cautious even, but push yourself. As we grow, as we age, as we stretch, we continue to peek out from behind our walls to see what is beyond our boundaries.

Each new experience you add to your life allows your vision to stretch a little farther. It is your decision whether you move out into the world with confidence or continue waiting for the perfect view. With each step into the unknown, the scenery becomes yours for the choosing. You may find you have more control over a huge field of choices than a small box of the ‘sure thing.’ As a coach, I want my clients to soar, to take fearless steps more easily and to create a huge space between themselves and their limitations. Creating that momentum is the key to doing so. n