Why Do We Run Away From New Beginnings?
Let’s begin with fear, the baseline.
The unknown, the uncertainty, and all the questions that creep in when the thought of adjusting to a clean slate/new beginning, becomes a reality. Willingly choose discomfort over sitting inside my comfort zone? Where do I even start? How do I know I’ll be okay? What if I’m not happy? What if I decide this is all wrong? What if I miss what feels comfortable? What if…
Walking side by side with the possibility for disappointment from making the wrong decision while also fearing the strength necessary to move forward, can feel destabilizing. Why as humans, far too often, do we default towards fear of the unknown?
The absolute truth is the unknown surrounds us from the moment we wake up in the morning, until the moment we close our eyes at night. The unknown IS life, daily.
Yet, we fight it by trying to convince ourselves we have it all figured out; we are already on the “right” path. We don’t need to shake the ground that we currently walk on. All based on aspects in our lives we use to create stability and routine. Pushing away any thoughts arising to the contrary until we are forced into action and reminded of the reality of the unknown. Life shakes us awake; we go back to sleep.
Life sometimes has a way of forcing us into new beginnings, when we resist it for ourselves, simply because we may not have our own best interests in mind.
Now, let’s ponder, new beginnings are full of opportunities we wouldn’t otherwise learn, unless we are taking the necessary steps to try. We talk about what we plan to do and set goals to achieve them only to disappoint ourselves when we don’t follow through. Rinse, wash, and repeat, time and time again. If only we graced ourselves the same level of consistency into giving new beginnings a try when we hear the call to action. [ctt template=”8″ link=”6ePdM” via=”no” ]Why not take that giant leap? Why not? [/ctt]
I have embarked on a journey of new beginnings filled with fear to the maximum capacity. A giant leap of faith. A long-term goal turned into, did I make the right decision? Turned into no, and then yes, again. My journey has not been effortless. However, I continue to learn new strengths about myself daily, while also pulling on strengths I’ve already developed over time.
I am being forced to readjust at every corner, nook, and cranny + faced with uncertainty head on. I am being reminded to loosen my grip on the illusion of control for anything outside of myself.
My new beginnings taste sweet on some days, and bitter on others. Life has a way of teaching us readjustments are necessary for our overall mental health. Especially, when faced with either a choice by our own will or possibly forced to completely alter life “as we know it” to be.
Comfort, combined with stagnation, vs. discomfort, combined with change at every turn. I believe as humans we can often seek familiarity in the life we once became so accustomed to when we begin a journey towards a new beginning.
Moments we’ve grown to lean on as comfort and security, being fully stripped away. Causing a high level of vulnerability to a new way of life with no security at all, except for the lessons we’ve learned along the way within our own personal journey. [ctt template=”8″ link=”6ePdM” via=”no” ]One of the most important things we can do in our lifetime is not only acknowledge fear but also embrace it as one of the greatest gifts we can experience, without resisting and shutting it out. [/ctt]
Fear can and will guide us if allowed the depth of emotions it brings. Feeling uncomfortable is okay. Fear is okay. Uncertainty is okay. Feelings are natural emotions which remind us we’re still breathing, we are alive.
Far too often, the feeling of fear is viewed negatively. Reality says, as humans, we will not always have the right answers; fear allows us to reevaluate, refocus, regroup, and move forward when ready. It can be a positive kick in the ass towards the new beginning waiting for us to enter, waiting for us to answer the call inside our hearts + souls.
Welcoming us to take one step and then another until we’re running with the possibilities of a new way of life on the other side of fear.
It is vital to trust yourself (See: building blocks of trust) even through doubt, confusion, sadness, disappointment, etc., through the process of new beginnings + giving yourself compassion along the way.
The process isn’t always pretty, frankly it can be ugly as hell to walk through it with your head held high, let alone your spirit intact.
Your job is to stay committed to yourself and reap the rewards of your labor. Your commitment to yourself is calling you to take the leap and soar to new heights beyond what you’re already comfortable with. Do you hear it?
Are you ready to embark on your personal journey towards new beginnings?
