Stretch…More Than Just Your Body
January 25th, 2009
STRETCHING doesn’t have to just involve physical motion. I’m talking
about stretching yourself – moving outside of your box, shifting your
comfort zone, trying something new. It’s hard work. It’s uncomfortable.
It’s scary. But it’s also crucial to your wellbeing and success.
Many clients come to me with a desire to be pushed out of their comfort
zone, to be challenged to stretch to a new level. Allowing this stretch
gives you the chance to grow. Not only does it boost your confidence
each time you successfully step into a new experience, it broadens your
perception of the world. Your well of experience is suddenly deepened
and you become more connected to your courage. Feeling the
confidence boost after the work is done can be a lasting experience.
Living fearlessly is a troublesome topic. Some have no desire, some
don’t know how, some want it so bad but are just plain…scared! My wise
sister often says, “do something everyday that scares you.” Scary can be
going to lunch by yourself, quitting your job or skydiving. Big or small,
doing something outside of your ordinary routine can be intimidating.
I’d like to challenge you to try this. Each day, make a phone call you’ve
been avoiding, spend some time alone or try something new. Aside from
confidence, your sense of fearlessness grows. In no time, you’ll be
challenging yourself with new goals. Sitting still will no longer be a habit
because new interests will pop up. New passions will surface.
It’s easy to say that climbing is a passion of mine. Does it scare me?
Absolutely. If the climb itself doesn’t scare me, the fear of falling or
struggling does. So, why do I do it? Accomplishing a hard climb, trying a
new route, improving my strength and skill result in a pay off far greater
than the fear involved. I was scared of heights when I started and
absolutely scared of the unknown.
When you think about it, what isn’t scary about the unknown? How much
of our time do we spend trying to see every possible angle, preparing
ourselves for an outcome we can’t predict? What a waste of energy! Let
it go. Let life happen and learn to indulge.
I’m practicing this concept as well. I do a lot of fearless activities, but I’m
surrounded by individuals more fearless than I. Allow yourself to be
challenged. Open your mind and test your limits. Be safe, be cautious
even, but push yourself. As we grow, as we age, as we stretch, we
continue to peek out from behind our walls to see what is beyond our
boundaries.
Each new experience you add to your life allows your vision to stretch a
little farther. It is your decision whether you move out into the world with
confidence or continue waiting for the perfect view. With each step into
the unknown, the scenery becomes yours for the choosing. You may
find you have more control over a huge field of choices than a small box
of the ’sure thing.’ As a coach, I want my clients to soar, to take fearless
steps more easily and to create a huge space between themselves and
their limitations. Creating that momentum is the key to doing so.
Katie Mattson is the owner and professional coach at Momentum
Coaching. She empowers others to energize their moments by realizing
their natural gifts. She’s passionate about helping her clients move
outside of their comfort zone to take control of a life they love to live.
Contact Katie at: katie@energizeyourmoment.com
Find out more about Momentum Coaching at:
http://www.energizeyourmoment.com
