Hey friends!
Today, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind lately: avoidance.
We all know what it feels like to avoid things in our lives. Difficult situations or uncomfortable experiences. Funnily enough, I've actually avoided writing this post for a while now because I've felt uncomfortable talking about my avoidant tendencies.
There's certainly some degree of ego and pride that makes it hard to put our hands up and say, 'Hey, yes, I'm avoiding this because I'm fucking terrified!'
Anyway, life is hard, and we have to do hard things, and to avoid them is to imagine that we have the choice not to do whatever it is that's on our mind.
But whether it's work, writing that book, going to the gym, having a tough conversation with your partner, or moving away from a bad habit, these are things that we have to do.
I get it.
Avoidance is easy. It feels safe. But the thing is, avoidance only creates more problems down the road. And trust me, I know from experience.
You see, a few years ago, I was going through a really tough time in my life.
I was struggling with depression and anxiety, and I just didn't want to deal with it.
So I did what any rational person would do: I avoided it.
I numbed myself with food, alcohol, social media shopping... anything that would help me escape the pain I was feeling.
And for a while, it worked. But, as it always does, eventually the avoidance caught up with me.I was in a really dark place and knew I needed to get out. But the thought of facing my problems head-on was just too scary. So instead, I decided to take baby steps.
I started by talking to my Doctor, who put me on anti-depressants. Yes, I didn't want to take them as I had heard horror stories about them being addictive but meds have come so far since then. Then I started reading self-help books and listening to podcasts. And slowly but surely, I started to feel better. I began to see that avoidance only made things worse and that the only way out was through it. It was putting the work in, facing my fears, and getting out of my comfort zone.
Now, I'm not saying that facing your fears is easy.
It's definitely not.
But what I am saying is that it's WORTH it.
As tempting as it can be just to stay in your comfort zones, this isn't healthy or productive. In fact, avoidance can actually be really harmful in the long run.
Are You Happy With Where You Are Now?
Are you?
Or do you want something better? Do you want to reach that goal? Do you want to be satisfied with your relationship? Do you want that career, house, or family?
All these things are within your reach, and yes, there's no doubt it's going to take effort to make it happen.
But are you going to step out of your comfort zone and make it happen, or are you going to let it slip away?
In a scary way, these are really your only two options, and the choice is only yours to make.
So next time you feel like avoiding something, ask yourself: is this going to help me in the long run?
Is this worth it?
If the answer is no, then it might be time to take a step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. Trust me, you won't regret it.
But don't just leave it until the moment. Figure out what you really want and go for it.
Literally, right now, ask yourself, what do I really want in my life? What do I want and how am I going to get there?
Why are you avoiding this call to action?
That passionate and driven urge inside you to get that dream job, to start that family, get that house, go to that exotic destination, or write that book. Why would you ignore something so pure? How could you do that to yourself?
Imagine a friend going through the same process and saying the same things. You'd feel so sorry for them not following their dreams, yet this is exactly what you're doing to yourself.
It's time for you to take control and be your own best friend. Get out there and get what you want in life! You deserve it. It's never too late to start something new.
I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes:
"Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."
Take care, friends :) xo
Go get it.
If you're interested in figuring out exactly how to get out of your comfort zone and into this new and exhilarating way of living your life, then take a moment to check out my new course, "Get out of your comfort zone in 4 weeks".
It's a step-by-step guide to help you break the mold, step out of yourself, and actually start taking steps in the direction you want your life to go! See you there! :)
