Oof, this one hits hard. Especially as I’m going through so much personal development now.

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, which means I’ve got to make changes. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling a heap of resistance right now as you argue ‘well it’s not that easy!’

Hate to break it to you (and me), but it is a lot easier than you think.

Manifestation is a concept that I have my gripes with, but I like how much it holds you to account. If you are what you think about, then your life reflects who you think you are. This was a nasty truth for me a couple years ago, when I was really crappy about everything. I hated to think that the real cause for all my problems was…me.

The key is to look at it without (or less) judgement. ‘Okay, this is where my mind currently has us, because this is what it feels is safe—for better or for worse.’

My sister used to work with a woman whose boyfriend was an absolute dog. Cheating on her, beating her up, emotional manipulation, the works. My sister listened to her speak in disbelief, wondering why she would ever tolerate this treatment? I told her to ask the woman about her own parents, and lo and behold: they were the exact same. The way her boyfriend acted was awful, but she saw nothing wrong with it, or at least, nothing out of the ordinary. It was familiar, and therefore her mind considered it safe enough.

I think of this example when looking at my own life, wondering what things I’m tolerating because they are familiar. I am learning to embrace change now, because seeking uncomfortability disrupts those familiar patterns, and that is where the change happens.

This question was a game changer for me because it helps you to identify what your brain likes about the situation that you’re in. For me, I’ve come to realise that I actually feel safe and secure for the first time ever. I have a good house, a stable job, and freedom to pursue my hobbies. To my surprise, it has become pretty familiar already, though I still feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

As nice as this is, it’s not where I want to stay forever. Even so, my brain likes the security I’ve finally found, so one benefit to staying right here is that. To combat this, I’m trying to remind myself that I’ve worked my way here before and I will be able to do it again and again as many times as I need to.

At the same time, this is probably the best time and place I’ve ever experienced to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. So why not give it a try?