Michael

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. - M. Scott Peck

I know my own growth over the years has come in spurts. I’ve experienced plateaus of seemingly no growth where in other times it felt like an emotional roller coaster ride.

In my early years, periods of unhappiness or feeling uncomfortable lasted much longer than necessary. I took longer to learn the “lesson” or were fearful to do something outside of my comfort zone even though it meant being miserable for an extended time.

But, I finally understood that the best answer was to step outside of myself and try something completely different. As I took those first tentative steps to change, I remember feeling quite fearful. In fact, I remember the time; April, 1992. That first step I took was a major career change and I’ve never looked back. That decision completely changed the direction of my life and is a fundamental insight into who I am today.

I started to grow by leaps and bounds. I believe it was a time when my “true self” was beginning to merge. I can’t say that my true self is completely present now, but I know that I’m more “me” than I have ever been. I continue to peel back the layers to get to that core person I know as Michael.

If you find yourself in challenging times, try taking a completely different direction and see what happens. Take a small step first, but take the step. Don’t be stagnant. Stretch yourself to fulfill a small desire. If you need help or reassurance, find someone that can support you. Most importantly if that step didn’t work out, go in a different direction. I live by a simple philosophy now. I don’t want to have any “what ifs” in my life when I get older. I want answers, regardless of whether the answer is yes or no. I don’t want to be sitting around when I’m 90 and thinking, “What if I had tried this or that?” I want to know.

Have a great day!

Michael