Stepping Out

There is comfort in being in a place of familiarity. In these places we are usually surrounded by things that bring us peace and make life easier and there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes there is solace in being in a place of comfort. There is contentment in being in places where we are familiar and that contentment can create mindsets of order, tranquility and restfulness. We can relax and be calm and pretty much live with no worries. 

In places of comfort—better known as comfort zones there are routines and daily practices that allow us to stay on top of our daily lives without feeling COMPLETELY overwhelmed and stressed. The “comfort” of comfort zones is necessary but it can also be a hindrance in our growth. Let me explain.

There have been in many situations where I wanted to stay in places that brought me comfort and what I thought was “peace”. I wanted to remain there because I thought it was what I needed but in all actuality I wanted to wallow in my heartache and sadness. I wanted to stay in a place that made people feel sorry for me… I was pitiful and I wanted people to see that. I didn’t want to come out of that place because that meant I had to face the reality of life and move on. Understanding that everything is not perfect and the fantasy world that I have dreamed up was just a dream.

While I was in the hospital I stayed in my room. Unless I was walking around the unit to get some exercise I was confined in those four walls all day. Not because I had to but because I chose to. Not only was I physically in that room my mindset was consistently closed and I was bitter. Until one day a random art therapist came in my room and invited me to a class. I said I would go. I really wanted to but I couldn’t. I was miserable. I didn’t want to socialize. So then I made up my mind that I wouldn’t go. I was perfectly fine coloring in my adult coloring book by myself in my room. Then the nurse came and told me I should go and that I would like it. So I went. First I was there by myself and then a few other ladies came in. So it was time to socialize. “Brace yourself Brittany, Time to talk”. --- I had to actually prepare to socialize. Anybody who knows me knows that I am a sociable person. SO giving myself  a prep talk to be sociable was a big deal. I then knew that I was a different person. A person I did not like. A person I had never been before and I pray that I will never be again.  The class ended up being  great and VERY eye opening. We made little felt birds (That I hung in my baby’s room J.. a great reminder). I learned that the other women who were there with me situations were way worse than mine. They were so early in their pregnancy and at risk for so much and me on that other hand, I was closer to my due date and my baby was healthy.

Staying in the room that day would have done two major things for me. It would have allowed me to continue to wallow in depression (seriously why would I need to do that) and secondly I wouldn’t have been able to realize how blessed I was even in the midst of my circumstances. Although I was in a difficult place our outcome was still very positive. I was reminded that although I hated where I was it could be so much worse. I know this seems very simple and I think that is what amazes me about how my mindset was at that time. I was so caught up in my feelings that I couldn’t see simple logic. Simply stepping out of my room (comfort zone) cleared my mind in ways and gave me a new perspective.

I have never been the one seclude myself but while baby George was in the continuing care nursery I stayed to myself and soaked everything in that the doctors and nurses told me. Every moment I could be in his room I was there. Not that I didn’t trust the nurse but I felt that I always had to know what was going on. It was to the point where my family wanted me to stay home and rest but I felt like I needed to be there with him. The day before he was discharged, God sent me an angel that happened to be a March of Dimes representative. She told me about a class on breast feeding that they were offering with a small lunch for all the Continuing Care Mothers and she also gave me a milestone necklace for my baby. I was given advice on caring for a premmie. They provided me with tiny hats and gloves. I was truly blessed and showered with love and encouragement  from other mamas with premmies and experts who handle little babies all the time.  I would have never experienced these things without venturing out of the room and trusting the nurses to do their job and take care of my baby.

The lessons I learned from stepping out were simple yet life changing. I was able to see past my struggle and open my mind to the things that matter. I could see from a different perspective and live with hope. I was given small gifts that I could keep forever and cherish. Things that will allow me remember how far God brought us and how faithful He is.

Although my comfort zones were because of my temporary circumstances I still wouldn’t have been able to be blessed without moving out of them. So whether it be something temporary or something that makes your world change drastically… Trust God.

Don’t allow comfort zones to trap you. Don’t allow the enemy to overwhelm  your thoughts.
Joshua 1:9 says  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Let these scriptures penetrate your spirit and If in any way you feel God telling you to step out and be courageous or simply change your way of thinking about certain things do. Be strong. Trust in Him. You may “think” you are at peace where you are but imagine stepping out and allowing God to blow your mind and take you from one place that you think is amazing to another place that will truly change your life.

Brittany