Philia provides a compass to guide us through a journey of setting goals, discovering insights and intuitions, and most importantly, realizing and discussing our barriers and intentions.
Along this journey, we may find ourselves stepping out of our comfort zones, and venturing over to the uncharted territories of discomforts.
Our comfort zones can be neutral places that provide us with an endless feeling of safety.
For most people, our comfort zones are inundated with familiar and safe experiences. However, familiarity doesn’t always directly equate to happiness nor help us fulfill our expectations in life. They can protect us from getting hurt or taking chances, though.
(Not Very Comfortable) Comfort Zones
We rarely acknowledge the barriers our comfort zones establish and often, we aren’t even aware that comfort zones exist, resulting in us remaining in toxic environments.
Our comfort zones appear safe, but this isn’t always true.
Sometimes the worst job you have might seem more comfortable than being unemployed. Or, it could be better to have the worst friend than be alone. To become unemployed or have one less friend means needing to embrace discomfort.
Have you ever thought about what it is that never allows you to let go and embrace discomfort?
Not Easy but a Better Step
It is never easy to take a step out of our comfort zones as they may seem safe and secure, but what if our comfort zones are the monsters that we keep running from?
Getting out of your comfort zone will bring you to a new level. For me, it wasn’t easy to quit and try to find a new job. I didn’t realize the relaxation that quitting would bring because I was too distracted being upset with my work situation.
However, the moment I began using my misery to evaluate what I really wanted or needed, I knew finding a new job was better even though the search took six months. I was able to let go.
“Letting Go”
Think about what hearing “letting go” reminds you of.
When we are asked to change and “let go” of something in our lives, it can make us feel irritated or scared. We may think: “That person doesn’t understand how significant this is to me.”
But it isn’t about what that person thinks. It is about me; it is about moving on and towards new opportunities. It isn’t always about ensuring that we feel safe and secure. It is about making us feel comfortable.
However, a too comfortable place might seem pleasant but it might hold you back from your success or from finding or accomplishing real ambitions in your life.
It’s NOT Dangerous
It is up to you to decide whether to embark on the journey and let go. You will enjoy your new space and find so many new and different options and opportunities.
You don’t have to change your favourite restaurant or send curriculum vitae to new employers. You can even live forever with your friends if you want.
However nothing stays the same, nor do you.
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to,” said Bilbo Baggins once. He couldn’t be more wrong.