Stretching and Challenging

It's so easy to just plod along, putting one metaphorical foot after the other, and not challenge one's self. Perhaps there is a fine line between acceptance of self and what is, and stagnating. It can be difficult to move forward into something new. It is also exciting and energizing.


Three things I've done in the past year to stretch and challenge myself:


-I made the decision to take a Project Managers course. The reason for doing this was to increase my chances at my work to move ahead and possibly do something different. I've been at the same job for 13 years, doing the same thing. As I got further into my course, Irealized I was really doing it because I wanted to learn something new. I stretched my brain to look at things in a new way, in a way that is more practical and logical than I usually think. I tend to look at the soft and feeling side of things, so to focus on a step by step method of getting results has opened me up to a different approach. I haven't lost or buried the emotional side - it will always be there as the predomininant. I can temper that with the logical, for a fuller appreciation of 'the other side'. It's made a difference, not just at work, but in my life.


-I joined a Toastmasters club. I knew a little about this organization and my motivation again was to increase some skills for my work. After just a few short months, I am starting to be a better public speaker and my confidence is increasing. I am one who needs to process information before I respond or offer an opionion. Toastmasters has helped me become more comfortable opening my mouth around people I don't know and am quicker to 'think on my feet'. It's made a difference, not just at work, but in my life.


-I became certified in Level I and II Reiki. This was a huge stretch for me. I walked into the weekend not really knowing what Reiki is, and full of doubts and skepticism. I took Reiki to learn what it is. A part of my brain wanted to prove it is all bunk and a part of my brain wanted to believe that there is energy out there that can make a difference. I expected to learn but also expected to feel nothing. Although I respond first emotionally, I couldn't accept my own intuition. I had closed it down years ago. Reiki has taught me to trust myself and my perceptions and my intuition more. I can temper my emotional doubts with the energy and intuition, for a fuller appreciation of 'the other side'. It's made a difference, not just in my life, but in my work.


These three areas of challenging and stretching myself are all tied together. The choices to do these things were mine, but they were all placed in my life at the right time. I can't yet say how they will work together but I know, deep in my core, that I am on the cusp of something exciting and energizing. Keep challenging and stretching yourself, reaching for things that may or may not make sense. It will be worth it.