We all want to do great works in the world. We want to make a difference that affects the lives around us. We want to be remembered.
My question is “How far are you willing to go?”
Image by Jon Rawlinson
I know my normal answer. “Not far enough.”
I begin to step out and the doubts come flooding in.
- What will others think of me?
- What if I fail?
- What if I look foolish?
All are valid concerns if I want to live a normal life. But I don’t. I want to live an extraordinary life. And I know you do as well.
If this is what we want, we must change our thoughts. We must be willing to go further.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing.”
— Helen Keller
God reminded me of this as Pam and I attended a free concert at a local park. A band called the West Side Soul Surfers were playing at the bandshell. There were people lounging around. Sitting on benches, relaxing in the green grass, or plopped on the chairs they brought.
And then I saw it. First, it was a little boy dancing and having a blast on the floor in front of the stage. He was smiling and laughing and being silly.
Next came the old couples dancing to a swinging song. They might not have been the best dancers but they were enjoying themselves and having a great time.
Finally came a man and a woman dancing to a Santana song. The man had no rhythm and looked like a chicken flapping it’s wings (no offense is meant if you were the one dancing). He was getting down though. Enjoying himself immensely. He had a beaming smile that was infectious.
In the end he didn’t care how he looked. He wanted to have a good time with his woman and that’s what he did. He went the extra mile and made a difference in his life and the woman he was dancing with. He went further than I was willing to go.
Going past our comfort zones will cause us discomfort. People may look at us strangely. People may say cruel things. People may even disown you.
But if you don’t get out of that comfort zone and go further than you ever have before, you won’t do the great works your soul longs for you to accomplish.
Stretch yourself today. See where you can go step out of your comfort zone. Watch the change happen as you do.
When the question of “How far are you willing to go?” is raised, be willing to say far enough to accomplish what needs to be done.
“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.”
— Leo F. Buscaglia
Question: How far are you willing to go to change the world? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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