“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
John 16:7 KJV
Dearest Comfort and Safety Zone,
Let me get to the point quickly. I don’t want to alarm you, but I’m moving out soon. I’m leaving my old life behind. Leaving my old fears, insecurities, inefficiencies, inhibitions, and limiting beliefs behind. I’m moving to a new mindset.
I know what you’re thinking. But it’s not you! You did a great job raising me, keeping me alive and out of danger, getting me to this point in life. You made me what I am now. I am so grateful for the years I got to live with you. I will cherish those memories and lessons forever.
It’s me. Something more is calling me. I’m pretty sure it’s my destiny, but I need to know what it is for sure. I need more from myself, from this life, from God. I need to be stretched and strengthened, heightened and deepened. I need explosive growth, eternal development, excursions into the unknown, mystery and adventure, run-away success and maybe even devastating failure. I might need to break my heart and get it mended stronger than ever. And I can’t do those things here. Some of this won’t feel sane or safe or comfortable or convenient. It will drive you crazy. And I don’t want to do that to you. You don’t deserve that. You deserve to be remembered with honor and respect for all the work you’ve done for me. And if I go, you’ll grow too. It will be good for all of us.
I can hear you now. Yes, ma’am. I will take good care of the new me. I heard all you’ve said over the years, seen all your tears, all your frustrations with me and with life. No, ma’am, I won’t let others intimidate me, belittle me, or mistreat me. I’ll make sure I’m healthy and properly fed. I’ll make sure I’m fit, beautiful, and well-dressed. I’ll take care of my spirit and my mental health. And I’ll make friends who’ll take good care of me, too, as I take good care of them.
And thank you for the gifts you’ve given me, Sir! I’ll be sure to take Caution and Wisdom with me. Yes, and Grace, too. They’ll warn me of danger beforehand, follow me in if needed, lick my wounds if any, and bring me out again. No, don’t worry, Sir, I won’t burn my bridges. Not all of them anyway. I can’t promise I’ll be nice and play safe with everyone. Some bridges should not have been built and may need to be burned. But I’ll definitely build new ones, Sir.
Yes, ma’am, I’ll read all your letters and I’ll write you. You’ll hear all about my latest adventures and how I’m growing through. Yes, I’ll call you to chat and laugh about old times, too. All those memories will ground me when it gets hard.
Yes, of course, I’ll be back! One day after I’ve become all I can be in this life. And after I’ve built you a home in a world the new you can be comfortable and safe in, maybe you can come live with me! How’s that? Good. Just remember, no matter what happens, I’ll always love you.
Gratefully yours,
Me
Action: Are you hesitating to start something new and scary? Write a letter to your comfort and safety zones, thanking them for their undying dedication to your safety, hyper-vigilant surveillance, and comprehensive protection from dangers real and imagined. They did their job the best way they knew how. They kept you safe and comfortable while you needed it. And they will go on to bless others who need them. But then explain why you’re leaving them behind and what mysterious adventure you’re looking for beyond the safe border.
Post that letter on your mirror, or fridge, or facebook… anywhere you can’t miss it. Reread it often. It will serve as a notice and reminder when you want to run from your destiny.
Then leave.
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