The Brave Hearted You: Embrace Change by Maria Guzman

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you embraced change rather than living within the confines of a comfort zone lifestyle? If you don't know what a comfort zone lifestyle looks like, it is considered a place or situation where you feel comfortable, a feeling of nothing left to learn, a feeling that you have everything all figured out, and a feeling of not having to do anything new or challenging.

I don't know if you noticed it, but I noticed repeated in the description of what a comfort zone lifestyle looks like is the word "feeling". The definition of feeling is an emotional state or reaction. The key word in this definition is "emotional". When someone is emotional, their feelings get in the way. Their focus is on how they are feeling, and based on their feelings their lifestyle then forms into what is called a comfort zone lifestyle.

You may ask yourself, so why leave a comfort zone lifestyle? I feel safe and secure. I feel comfortable. I feel...Here is that word again, I "feel".

I would say yes there would be a challenge to leave such a place or situation, maybe you have lived in your comfort zone lifestyle for so long that you don't want to change things up now. I'm sure just the thought of leaving your comfort zone lifestyle, the word fear comes to mind. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure or mistakes, fear of learning or trying something new, or even fear of taking on a challenge.

The word clearly says 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." NLT

If you take away fear from your thoughts, there are ways you can leave your comfort zone lifestyle and embrace change by:

1. Keeping in mind that the transition from comfort zone to living out of your comfort zone does not happen overnight. I encourage you to not give up on your first step out, take it one step at a time, one day at a time. 

2. Embracing the unknown. Yes, the unknown may be scary, but God had said "do not fear" 365 times in the Bible (e.g. Isaiah 41:10) for a reason to remind us there is nothing to fear and also encourage us to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). In other words, be Brave Hearted and do it anyway with God by your side every step of the way.

3. Using failures or mistakes as learning opportunities (e.g. learning produces growth). Some people struggle with this one, who wants to fail or make a mistake? No one really does as you then question your every decision thereafter, it brings nervousness that you will make the same failure or mistake, it could also bring a lack of confidence in your decision-making. But take heart what the word says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Ask God to help you to move on from your failures and mistakes and use them as learning opportunities so you won't repeat them.

4. Trying to do something new (e.g. new skill). It can be simply brushing your teeth with the opposite hand you usually use. Try it out, at first it seems foreign to you, but as you continue brushing it is not so intimidating to try something new. Now it's your turn, what is something new you are going to try?

5. Accepting a challenge (e.g. reading a chapter of a book or Bible every day). It can be as simple as drinking an adequate amount of water for your body type every day. Now, it's your turn for this one too, what is a challenge you are going to try?

Here are some important tips when leaving your comfort zone lifestyle:

1. Trust in the Lord at all times (Proverbs 3:5). It is very important to Trust in the Lord who knows your whole life story (inside and out) and will guide you along the way.

2. Do not try to figure things out (Proverbs 3:6). Trying to figure things out will bring frustration, confusion, doubt, anger, and wanting to go back to your comfort zone lifestyle. For this reason, the word is very clear, to not depend on your own understanding.

3. Transform your mind to a new way of thinking (Romans 12:2). It is very important to transform your mind as what you think about leads to actions. What kind of actions would you like to see transformed by a new way of thinking?

4. Replace your vocabulary with a language of Faith (Matthew 12:34). This one takes practice, practice, practice. The word says what abounds in your heart, the mouth speaks. Think about the words that come out of your mouth. Is it a vocabulary that would be pleasing to God's ears? If not, then practice replacing your vocabulary.

5. View life from a Kingdom perspective (Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:28). God has given us examples in his word on how to view life (e.g. to live life in abundance, John 10:10, and living according to the fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, and love one another, John 13:34-35) and do not be conformed to this world as it has its own perspective because God is not their focus (Romans 12:2).

Here is a prayer for you as you take a step into embracing change and living outside of your comfort zone lifestyle:

Father God, I'm here before you on behalf of the person reading this post. I pray that you will help them in every area of their life, living out of their comfort zone lifestyle. It will not be easy, but it is possible with you. I know there will be good and not-so-good days, but you will always be by their side. I understand the thought of retreating to a comfort zone lifestyle because it can make them feel uncomfortable or fears can creep up, but you said do not fear, for I AM with you. I ask you to help them through their unknown territory and be more than victorious living outside their comfort zones, in the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Many blessings,
Maria Guzman