What if someone offered you anything you wanted if you would do something for them? The catch was they wouldn’t tell you what you had to do until after you agreed to doing it. Would you take that leap? Would you risk it to get to the prize? It’s impossible to know what lies ahead in our lives. We try to set things up so we feel safe, but sometimes we’re faced with a situation where we have to go forward into the unknown. It’s disconcerting not to know where a journey is taking us, or what will happen when we get there. It might be a great surprise that will bring us joy, or it might go the other way. The routines of our lives give us the illusion of security, but really nothing is guaranteed. Although it may be unsettling to do something completely new and strange, it can enhance our experiences. If we only do the same things every day we don’t get the chance to stretch. And stretching teaches us about life.
Sometimes we have the opportunity to take on dramatic changes in our lives. Perhaps we are offered a new job that’s a step up, but is in a new location far different from where we’ve ever been before. Maybe it’s an opportunity to travel to a strange and distant place where customs are vastly different from our personal experiences. Or perhaps it’s the chance to be involved with others whose beliefs and lifestyles are extraordinarily different than our own. Experiences like these may be foreign to us, and may cause us some discomfort as we go through them. But if we allow ourselves the opportunity to venture into the unknown, we may learn things about ourselves and others that will be valuable.
One time I was asked to volunteer for an event at the local arena. I didn’t know what was scheduled for that night, but I agreed to help out. When I showed up, I discovered the event was extremely foreign to me, and the attendees were unlike anyone I was accustomed to interacting with. I was assigned to work the concession stand for the evening with several others. It was interesting, and unusual to work with people who were so different than me. Afterward I reflected on the experience. I was way out of my comfort zone, and yet it had been rewarding. I learned a lot about myself and those I interacted with.
Today if you’re offered the opportunity to do something you’ve never done before, something that may be somewhat unsettling, think about it before you say no. There is a lot to be gained by stretching our experiences into areas that are unusual for us. Try something new. It will enhance your understanding of life, and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn about yourself. This life is an adventure. Today, stretch it a little. Step into the unknown and take a look from the other side. Your perspective will be enriched in ways you cannot imagine.
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