Embracing Change - Risk Vs Comfort

Cherry blossoms on a blue sky day

I’m sitting in my new backyard listening to the woodpecker working towards their breakfast, pecking away at a nearby tree, while the sweet birdsong surrounds me. There’s a few people working in another room, and others in the kitchen cooking a meal - our 2 dogs laying in the grass, sniffers twitching, eyes deciding whether they want to stay open. In another room, there are 8 baby chicks chirping and pecking as I, and a housemate become mama birds, helping them to grow and eventually make it outside to the coop. Last night, and every Sunday for that matter, we dined as a community, celebrating two birthdays, laughing, sharing stories, and inspiring one another. There’s life around me and it feels absolutely nurturing to my soul. 

This was a big life decision to make. Two years ago, I became a homeowner, for many reasons, but mostly because I desired having some security in my living arrangement. The last home I lived in, I needed to move out without much of my own say. I desired to be the decision maker. It felt wonderful to be able to make my own rules. If I wanted to have a dinner party where everyone brought their dogs and played music and laughed until midnight, I could. If I wanted to hold psychedelic ceremonies in my sacred space, I could. I painted the walls bold and wild colors and hung art and decor wherever my creative heart wanted. I did have a housemate for some time, which was lovely. But I was missing the vibrant and vital life around me. Yes, I created a sacred space for myself to do some deep work and growth, and while I was there for the last 2 years, I learned some beautiful lessons.

I genuinely love people. I enjoy curating and being a part of a community, and it turns out, it’s one of my gifts. Being alone in MY house with MY rules was not as satisfying as I once thought it would be. I felt isolated, and fell into some habits to numb the feelings of loneliness that I didn’t particularly like for myself. I was working a job that was extremely challenging for my sensitive soul to pay for the house that I felt alone and isolated in. Wait, what??? That’s insanity. The thing that I wanted so badly was flattening my sparkle and I knew I needed to rip the bandage off and make a big change. 

We are certainly creatures of comfort. Most humans do not like change. This is where we must find the tension of risk vs.comfort. The unknown can feel scary, but oftentimes stepping into uncertainty can lead to unexpected joy. In addition, we must realize how easy it is to fall into the illusion of security. I believed that stable housing would keep me “safe”, when actually, it was keeping me “stuck.” Very stuck. And most importantly, we are wired for community. Humans evolved to be interdependent. We aren’t meant to live in isolation in nuclear homes, doing it all by ourselves. Identifying as independent is outdated. We are stressed, burnt out, anxious, depressed, and frankly, cracking at the seams. The antidote is community. The antidote is recognizing that we need help and asking for it. The antidote is giving assistance and help where you can. 

I write my musings today, on this perfect spring day, as inspiration to make change. What whispers have you been receiving for changes that need to happen in your life? Where in your life have you been holding onto something that feels safe, but is actually draining you? What would it feel like to surround yourself with people, animals, and nature in a way that nourishes you? What if you didn’t have to do it all alone? What if you took a risk and stepped outside your comfort zone? Change doesn’t have to be all at once - maybe it starts with having more conversations about what you want, or visiting communities that inspire you. If you are feeling lonely or stuck, trust that there are people and places waiting for you, but they can’t find you if you are hiding away. Trust that life can surprise you in the most beautiful ways when you leap towards what lights you up!