I was talking to a friend not long ago whose life is in a rut. He wants new experiences, new blessings, a new direction, but he is too afraid of change to do anything.
He is stuck fast in old habits. I believe fear is holding him back. That's the nasty, insidious power of fear.
I know all about that. I understand that mindset completely. There is something I wish I could say to him but I'm not sure if I should, or how I should say it. If I could, what I'd say would go something like this:
If experience has taught me anything it has taught me this -- just when life seems to be rocking along just fine, something WILL come along to blast you out of your comfort zone. You can either hunker down and pretend it doesn't exist, or resolve to meet everything head-on.
Would he listen to me though? I don't know. I just know he needs to get shaken out of his comfort zone.
Case in point: I remember so clearly my internal debate about whether or not to go to Russia in 2002. (The trip was in January 2003) The tragedy of 911 had happened recently and everyone was nervous about international travel and terrorism. I didn't speak Russian. It was an expensive trip. I wasn't sure my voice would hold out to sing Handel's Messiah - it's a demanding piece of singing. There were so many reasons NOT to go.
I ultimately prayed and thought about it and decided to GO. I needed to do something outside my comfort zone.
That trip changed my life forever.
That trip led me to adopt my daughter, and then my son. It brought me many new friends. It deepened my faith in God.
It seems to me that if one doesn't get out of a rut on one's own steam, the Universe [or God or whoever you believe in] will do something to shake you up.
When my dad died my whole world shattered, and it took me a long time to put it back together. I am not the same person any more, but that's OK.
I had to be strong for Mom, and she had to be strong for me and my brother. Both sides of our family pull together when cancer happens, or an accident. We are blessed.
I have a friend who just broke up with her significant other. She is re-orienting herself pretty well, I think. She has a lot of family support.
I have another friend who has not been able to get out of a bad relationship and she has attempted suicide -- unsuccessfully, thank God. That's a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and such a sad, sad thing.
I am praying for all the friends mentioned here, although I don't want to mention their names because I respect their privacy. Everyone has their own journey to make, and the best way to support my friends, I feel, is to love them. I also believe in the power of prayer; it can change lives and work miracles. Please say a prayer, or send positive energy to my friends.
Thanks. Peace be with you.
