"Do one thing every day that scares you" - Eleanor Roosevelt
The above quote is one that you'll see shared hundreds of thousands of times over on social media, but how many of those who "Like" it can actually say that this principle is one which really guides their everyday actions?
What makes us uncomfortable all depends on our individual fears and aspirations. For some people it's the thought of having the attention of the room on them as they speak to an audience, and for others not commanding the attention of their company is what makes them squirm.
Roosevelt's quote is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, something that, despite our best efforts, many of us live as though we are incapable of doing. The cosiness of routine can make us feel safe and satisfied, but in some instances we just need more guidance on what we can do to challenge ourselves, and how it can benefit us.
Here are five ways to step out and step up to aid your spiritual growth.
Tell the truth
Often we tell ourselves that the reason we tell lies are to protect other people, but more often than not they're about protecting ourselves.
For a lot of people, being honest means letting their guard down. Vulnerability isn't something to be ashamed of. Have you been holding back because the thought of saying what you really want or need to makes you feel uneasy? Try getting creative with how you deliver the truth. Maybe you'll find that a well thought out note or email is more effective tools to express yourself fully than face-to-face.
Sit in silence
Most of us are surrounded by artificial noise from the moment we wake up - the jarring ringing of alarms - to the time we fall asleep - the sounds of our phones or the TV shows we can't stop watching. Among all the noise it can be hard to focus on what's important, find peace and connect with God.
No matter how awkward it makes you feel at first, spending some time in silence can facilitate a deeper understanding of who you are as a person, who God is and how He's working in your life. Start off by setting aside a manageable amount of time, five to 10 minutes, and then pushing yourself to do it for longer each day or week.
Make a sacrifice
From comfort food to comfy clothes, our material possessions can be the things we cling to when we seek immediate contentment.
Giving up your favourite snacks to save money to give to those in need or donating your pre-loved clothing so that it's available to those who can't afford to buy first-hand or buy at all are just two ways that you can make sacrifices to serve others. Maybe material possessions aren't what put you at ease but your free time is. In this case, giving it up to volunteer in the community or run errands for an elderly relative or neighbour might be better ways to push yourself. Identify the thing you enjoy the most and think about how reducing the amount of time, money or energy you spend on it can benefit others.
Pray in public
Like public speaking, prayer in the company of others can be an unnerving thing for some Christians.
Remind yourself that more important than the fact that other people are listening is that God is listening. A God who wants you to be courageous and proclaim your love for Him. You're not under any obligation to pray aloud with others all the time, but if you're not doing it because it makes you uncomfortable, it can help to think about what you want to talk to God about beforehand and asking Him to fill you with words that you find impossible to keep between you and Him.
Tell someone who doesn't believe in God why He's important to you
In God we find the greatest comfort but there are many of us who can find it extremely uncomfortable to talk about him to others, especially those who don't know Him like we do or don't care for Him.
You never know what impact doing this can have on someone else's life. Even though it may force you out of your comfort zone at the time, it could be the beginning of someone finding theirs through Christ.
