If you have read any of my previous blogs, then you know I have a mantra that I refer to many times. “If you’re comfortable, you aren’t growing.” I have told this to my children on numerous occasions through their life, and now that they are adults, they have reminded me that this applies to me as well.
I must admit, I have been pretty comfortable over the years, for the most part. My life is great, I have a good job, beautiful family and a core of people who encourage, support and bless me on a daily basis. But there has always been this underlying need to write. I have written for as long as I can remember and never really had the courage to put myself out there to share my words with others.
Today, as I sit here typing this, I realize that I have never been this uncomfortable. I have created a blog, spent countless hours researching and reading, and have begun putting the finishing touches on a book I am writing. Once those edits are complete, I will send it off to a focus group to get their feedback and make adjustments for the next phase.
The comfortable side of me says “this is a pipe dream, you should stick to reading, not writing.” It is safe being comfortable. But being comfortable doesn’t cause change and it doesn’t cause growth in our lives. Honestly, for the most part, being in a constant state of comfort is boring.
The uncomfortable side of me says “to fly you need to leap.” Peter McWilliams said “Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it’s a small price to pay for living a dream.” At some point, the dreamer needs to wake up and start living their dream, especially if it is one you have dreamt since childhood.
So this uncomfortable journey continues as Twitter and Facebook pages are created for KatieMae. And I must admit, today; I feel the excitement, the fear and the pure joy of knowing I am moving in a direction I have only dreamed.
And now, let me ask you, what is your dream? What has been burning inside of you for as long as your can remember? Are you comfortable or are you ready to take Mr. McWilliams advice and become comfortable being uncomfortable? Let me know; I’d love to encourage you in your journey.
KatieMae is Kathi Denn. Local Kennewick Author, Writer, Wife, Mother to four, Friend to many, on a journey to make an impact in my world, one word at a time.
Thank you for your willingness to be transparent and uncomfortable. It encourages me to take the leap into the great unknown and attempt to bring into reality that which has only been a dream. I have a passion to help others find their beautiful purpose and step into their destiny. Part of that journey is helping them to learn how to love their selves, to love and embrace how God created them. Once they understand that God loves them dearly and they begin to love what He created, they’ll naturally move towards their destiny and purpose. I’ve had to make that journey myself and now I want to help others do it. I am working on a teaching series that explores love.
Thank you, Nell, for taking the time to visit and to share your thoughts. I agree once we know who we are IN Him, we are able to share who He is through ourselves. The passions that are placed in us are one’s He created to share with others so they can find their passion and purpose. Blessings to you as you step out and turn your dreams into reality. Keep me posted on your journey!
I am currently trying to get past myself. I literally sit down and it takes forever to put words on the page because I am so scared. I just need to be brave and take the leap!
Hello, Ann! Thank you for taking the time to visit, I truly appreciate it! One of the hardest challenges I face is what you have described, and one thing I can tell you is you are your own worst critic. Trust me on this, because I have had numerous people say the same to me.
In those moments of fear and doubt, I read a quote by Will Smith in the movie “After Earth.” He says “Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real but fear is a choice.”
Sometimes we tend to overthink things, but we need to do what we know is in us. Some people will criticize, but most will relate to what you have to say. Either way, you have a voice, and you need to share it. We writers have a need to share, and there are readers out there who need to hear. Good luck as you step out! I look forward to following you.