After all of the crazy winter weather we’ve had, spring has finally sprung!  However, it’s been a bumpy ride considering it’s mid-May and I still can’t retire my sweatshirt yet. 

Yet on Sunday, Mother Nature graced us with a warm and sunny afternoon.  As a treat for my little furry companion (yes, I’m a cat lover!),  I decided to open my back door and allow her to enjoy being able to actually hear the little flying creatures she’s become so accustomed to oogling at through the windows.  To make it even sweeter for her, I opened the door and gave her permission to explore the great outdoors to enjoy the sun and actually chase a bird or two. 

She hesitated, looked back at me and meowed, hesitated again, then slowly (and I mean slowly!) made her way outside and onto my deck.  I couldn’t even close the door at first because she kept eyeing me like a hawk, and every attempt I made the close the door brought her running back to it.  After a little manipulation, I finally got her outside and was able to bring my door to a full close. 

Unfortunately, it took me longer to get her outside than she actually stayed.  After sniffing around for about 30 seconds, her mind went on overload and she began pleading for me to let her back in; I sighed and complied. 

On this beautiful day that was full of new learning, possibilities, and fun, she opted to run back to what was familiar and safe.  Because she refused to press beyond the familiar, she squandered a golden opportunity.  This started me to thinking about many of you reading my blog posts. 

How many of you are missing out on new career opportunities because you refuse to press beyond your comfort zone; beyond what is familiar?  How many of you are stunting your own growth and chances for greater enjoyment, satisfaction, and reward because what’s familiar is more comfortable?  If you never press pass your barriers, how will you ever know what you’re capable of? 

If you reading this post and know that it’s speaking to you, let me encourage you to do something different, try something new.  Challenge and stretch yourself to see what you’re made of.  Instead of experiencing the frustration and failure that tends to overwhelm the mind when it considers trying something new, you might experience great joy and success.  And I can guarantee you this – you will certainly not succeed 100% of the times you never tried. 

Until next time….