Unfounded

Unfounded. 

The other day I posted about the opportunities afforded through change. One of my observations was that the paradox of change is that it can be both craved and feared. 

One of my readers pointed out, "Change, however, brings fear of the unknown. So often unfounded." This got me to thinking about how much truth was in that statement. 

I've written in the past about the process of "awfulizing" which basically boils down to assuming the worst. 

One of my friends shared with me the other day how a friend of hers asked,"What is the worst thing that could happen?" These simple words allowed her to get a better perspective on her dilemma. As it turned out the worst case scenario wasn't insurmountable after all. 

It's easy to allow our minds to run amuck and paralyze us with fear, but nine times out of ten that fear is probably "unfounded." It would do us well to keep this in mind when presented with change. 

It would be a shame to allow an opportunity to pass you by out of fear of something that probably wouldn't have happened anyway. 

Big Dreams

Big dreams. 

I just finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines and their co-author Mark Dagostino. If you are a fan of Fixer Upper it is a delightful read. 

One thing that really made an impression on me was their ability to dream big. Each time Joanna would slip her toe into the water of a big dream, Chip would be there to say, "Let's do it!"

In considering this boldness it made me realize that I don't really dream, let alone dream BIG when it comes to my life. I cautiously weigh each step, never allowing myself to wonder for more. 

At this point in my life I have the luxury of time, and yet no real vision for the future. I can't help but wonder if I allowed myself to dream BIG what might be in store for me?

New Opportunities

New opportunity. 

Not to be outdone by Chip, Joanna Gaines has her own words of wisdom in their book, The Magnolia Story.

When Chip announced that he had found a buyer for their beloved home in Castle Heights, Joanna conceded that, "...with change comes new opportunity." It got me to thinking about why we are so often reluctant to change? 

New opportunity really can be a good thing. New opportunity is what helps keep you young, and motivated. I've been one to both fear and crave change. I think for me the problem is that I'm quick to ruminate over, "What if?" and then go automatically to the worse case scenario. 

Except, even when I've had second thoughts about change I may have initiated, I have found change to be beneficial. After returning back to elementary school after a two year stint in middle school I never regretted the decision to give it a try. Looking for the new opportunities in change might not be so bad after all. 

Getting Too Comfortable

Getting too comfortable. 

I'm reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines, and I highly recommend it if you are a Fixer-Upper fan. Chip is certainly an interesting fellow, and Joanna keeps reiterating the fact that you can't put him in a box.

Although, Chip and my personality are day and night, I could relate to one thing he mentioned about comfort. His exact words were, "We were getting comfortable in that house. And I've gotta say, I don't like it when things get too comfortable."

Now as paradoxical as it might sound, although I am often drawn to the comfort of the familiar, after a while I don't like it, and find myself wanting a change. I keep wanting to move on to the next thing, whether it be grade level, home or church. 

Eighteen years was way too long to have spent in our last home. I remember spending six years in a row teaching kindergarten, and doubting I could teacher anything else. I didn't like that feeling. 

In getting "too comfortable" you stop taking risks, you stop putting yourself out there, and you stop exploring the unknown. Although, I doubt I'll ever feel as comfortable as Chip when it comes to change, I don't want to lose sight of the fact that there is always something new around the corner to be experienced. 

"Life's not meant to be lived in one place." 

Unknown

Living Off Grid

Living off grid. 

Now most of the time when you think about living off grid you imagine someone deep in the woods depending on rainwater and solar panels 

to get by. Well I have none of these, but since moving to my new apartment, I've definitely been doing some off grid living when it comes to the roads. 

Having just moved from the flat spaces of former pasture land, which was designed basically in a grid-like fashion, it's taking a little more time to make sense of the twists and turns of my current location. It appears that there isn't a straight road anywhere in the Las Colinas area, not to mention the unexpected hills. 

Everything seems to meander in a curve, and with all the interesecting highways it makes it a little tricky to find your way. It brings back memories of my time as a flower delivery girl back in college. During the seventies when gas was relatively cheap florists actually delivered their flowers all around the Dallas area. It was interesting how many times I found myself lost that I would soon have another delivery in that now familiar area. I had failed to mention to the owner at my interview that I had only traveled once across town on my own prior to getting the job. Back then you relied heavily on a Mapsco, unlike the built-in GPS systems of today. 

Although living on grid might be easier and more comfortable, I'm enjoying the challenge my off grid living is presenting. Now back to  Google Maps!

Risking the Fly

Risking the fly. 

Sometimes in life you have to just risk what might not end up being the most perfect of circumstances, in order to get something you want. More specifically, the other day I had the porch door open in order to get a little fresh air into the apartment. 

The unexpected or should I be more truthful, expected consequence was that a fly made its way inside. Now obviously, no one wants to purposely allow a fly into their home. The pure annoyance, and near impossibility of capture all make for an unpleasant experience. 

However, when weighed against the delight of the fresh air, then maybe taking the risk was worth it? Does a fly make its way inside everytime the door is open? Probably not. 

So is it worth the risk to deal with an occasional fly in return for an elevated mood? Perhaps so, of course, in opening the door you are also risking a mosquito or two which might be a whole other conversation. 

Overcast

Overcast. 

I'm one of those people who seems to thrive in sunny weather. One of the mixed blessings of this apartment are the trees which surround it. Although, it gives a kind of treehouse effect which I like, it does limit the amount of natural light available. 

It seems for the last couple of weeks we have had few really sunny days. If I find myself spending too much time in the world of grey, my motivation starts to waver. I've tried to take advantage of any sunny moments by getting outside more often. This is where having a dog really comes in handy. 

It's interesting, though, that how you view the world can be dependent on the amount of your sunlight exposure. As I was writing this post my mood changed immediately when there was a little break in the clouds. 

I've known people who live in areas of the country that are overcast for months on end to actually use light therapy to help elevate their moods. No wonder places like Florida are so popular. 

Luckily, here in Texas we are graced most of the time with a big, blue sky, and plenty of sunshine to go around. I'm hoping to see more soon.