When we were little, most of us had our options limited by our parents. They restricted our junk food, controlled our TV choices, and set our curfew.
Finally, when the magical age of independence appeared, we are off, free as a bird. We went to college or got an apartment with friends. Some of us even hopped right from the nest to a place of our own.
It seemed like the world was our oyster. And that seems great, till it seemed like too much. Too scary, too uncertain, and we were WAY too vulnerable.
So what do we do with all that freedom we fought tooth and nail for?
We quickly cut and slash. Limiting ourselves with a vigor that would confuse and break the heart of our younger self- the one that just wanted to do what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it.
We cut new experiences, because we might not like them or they could be hard.
After all, we’ve never done them before, so we are sure to look silly. Why try new restaurants, the food might suck! Why go to an event? We might not know anyone- or worse- see someone we REALLY don’t want to see.
This all means we must stick with the safe route. No need for anyone else to make our world small, we are happy to do that all on our own.
But what if this is very reason so many people complain they are unhappy?
What if in our attempt to keep things safe, we actually keep things sad. Maybe this feeling is really our younger self reminding us that all we wanted was the freedom to set our bedtime and pick out something new for dinner??
So what if when that younger voice in your head tells you how boring life is, you do the unthinkable? Instead of change the channel on the TV what if you try something new?
From ordering a coffee drink you’ve never had to taking class on something you’ve always wanted to learn. Small steps add up.
The confidence you gain from pushing the boundaries of your predetermined limits will build your confidence and resilience.
Personal growth is at the core of human happiness. Even the most risk adverse people feel a shift when they do something they had set in their mind wasn’t “their thing”. And Christ, you’re not marrying it, you’re just giving it a shot. You can always go back to your route. But you’ll never know your crazy hidden talent or amazing party trick, if you don’t at least give it a try.
