Nothing ever grows in your comfort zone by Tina Y. Gerber

by The Standard | Podcast February 17, 2021 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Nothing-Grows-Zone-Feb-18th-2021.wav

I believe middle-aged and older adults are capable of learning new things and can thrive in any changing environment. I know many seniors have the understanding and wisdom that comes from life experiences.

It was challenging, but my husband and I just learnt how to shop online at Home Depot. Yay us! I usually ask my daughter because it is simpler as she is knowledgeable and confident when ordering; she does it daily. Were we frustrated, annoyed, and apprehensive? Especially when they messed up our very first order! But the next order will go so much smoother, and we will be able to navigate the system more knowledgeably.

When you stop taking things for granted, you appreciate and enjoy what you have even more. The longer we live, the more precious life becomes. When facing major challenges, or struggles, try to view them as opportunities for personal growth. When a challenge seems too big to handle and it overwhelms you with stress, take one small step forward. It can go a long way to boosting your confidence and self-esteem. It is natural for us to fear, but it shouldn’t control our lives. Fear would have us retreat when we need to advance. The Bible commands us, “Fear not!”

Often, we have become complacent, comfortable, and uninterested in anything that might threaten our current way of life. Whether you’ve opted to retire, your children live far away, your family and friends cannot visit as much, now is the time for those new adventures to begin. Keep moving forward as nothing ever grows in your comfort zone. The only way to move forward in life is to embrace your fears. I understand indecision is an overwhelming place to be. We face so many decisions that it’s easy to feel paralyzed with fear. A wrong decision is better than no decision at all.

My mother always said, “The hardest things in life are usually the most challenging but also the most rewarding.” Moving forward is always a choice! When God says, “Fear Not,” it’s an invitation to trust and grow in faith because he promises to be there every step of the way.