The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but some wait so long to begin it.

It might sound funny, but sometimes being morbid is the only way to open our eyes. One of the best tools that I've learned throughout the past few years is to write my own obituary. Taking the time to go into detail, to truly reflect on my life and what it is that I might be leaving behind. Would I be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest or someone who lived in a constant state of fear? Would I be remembered as someone who defined my own sense of self or someone who followed the crowd?

I can imagine that you would want your obituary to be filled with the best that life has to offer; filled with self worth, passion, happiness, adventure, and love. So what are you waiting for?

If, when you examine your surroundings and struggle to see the life you might have envisioned for yourself, what would it look like to step out of your status quo and take a real chance? What if you committed to pursuing the one thing that's been on your heart? Let the fear fall by the wayside and take a step in the right direction. You are deserve to change your story towards the better.

There are many reasons why people stay in bad situations for far too long. For one thing, staying put means not having to risk the adversity associated with change. For whatever reason, enduring familiar difficulties often seems more attractive than facing the unknown. Personally, the unknown is a scary place that has caused me to have many full blown anxiety attacks throughout my life. So believe me when I say, you’re not alone for being fearful of the unknown.

If I am being honest, I’ve lived most of my life in fear. The fear of the unknown kept me crippled and stuck in my comfort zone for years. My fears were so much stronger than my faith. Yes, I said it. I had my own plans for what I wanted for my life and I didn’t consider what God wanted. I even expressed my plans through prayer, only to get frustrated and upset when things didn’t happen on my timeline the way I was expecting. It wasn't until I finally started seeking Him first that my life literally started to change. I have come such a long way in my journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today, happily married and living 3,000 miles away from my comfort zone, my family, if it wasn’t for my faith.

Of course, I am still a work in progress. I constantly have to fight the enemy each and every day. My walk with depression and anxiety is something I talk very openly about and I am not ashamed of it. God brought so much peace to my life once I started changing my daily mindset, as well as my prayer life, about what I really wanted my life to look like. I knew I wanted to be used by God in a mighty way, however, I knew that it wouldn’t be possible without stepping out on faith and leaving my comfort zone. Some days are a lot harder than others, and somedays I have to search a little more to find the good.

Faith is a like a muscle, the more we use it, the stronger it grows. Looking back, it’s pretty incredible to see God’s hand throughout my life, even when I thought I was alone. But he was and is always there, guiding and protecting me every step of the way. So remember that his purpose for you far outweighs your comfort zone. It's ok to step out in faith, it's ok to make the leap, it's ok to take the chance. Gods got you. What are you waiting for?

Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary. Not stepping out and letting the enemy continue to control your life... is even scarier. Friends, you are worth all the dreams your heart longs for. It's time to go out and get them!

Xo

Brittany