Allowing expansion, we find the parts of ourselves we thought we weren’t.
Please discuss. How does this play out in life?
I’ll start us out. We all have conceptions about our talents and skillsets. “I’m good with numbers, but not artistic.” “I’m tone deaf, but have a knack for foreign languages.” We tend to gravitate toward pastimes that we think capitalize on our strengths. We often shy away from activities that are unfamiliar or that require skills we haven’t developed.
To stick to what we know and are good at feels safe. It’s easy and gratifying. We know the end result is likely to be a success in our eyes. To try something new, especially when we need to learn totally new skills, feels risky. What if we don’t like it? What if we fail miserably? What will others think of our efforts?
Today’s message reminds me there are hidden talents, capabilities, and interests within me. If I flex only portions of myself I’ve already developed, I will never be entirely whole. I will be lopsided, focusing on only certain parts of myself, the ones I feel are successful. If I allow myself to explore activities outside my usual purview, willing to be either success or failure and happily indulging curiosity for its own sake, I will experience some things I surprisingly may enjoy and others I may not wish to repeat. But I will expand my definition of myself, becoming more than I previously thought possible.
How about you: What new activity are you willing to explore?