Gale Force Winds

One evening last fall when we were heading to bed, my husband, Jerry, informed me that he received an alert on his phone that there were gale force wind warnings for our area that were expected to last throughout the night. I rarely pay much attention to the weather, and so I feigned interest at Jerry’s report as I got into bed.

Well, the winds were definitely roaring the next morning when I went for my walk at the Bluffs.  Although I wasn’t exactly sure what gale force winds were the night before, I had a much better understanding of their power that morning.

The walk I typically take is in a loop, part of it near the lake shore and part of it further away.  On that morning, I opted to start off on the path furthest away from the lake.  The path was covered with debris, basically tree branches and leaves that had fallen from the overnight winds.

As I made it to the end of the path, a woman came around the corner near the lake, heading in my direction. She looked a little disheveled and windblown (which is an understatement, for sure).

“It’s much less furious on this side of the park. You may want to turn around.” she warned as she walked by.

Now, I have to admit, her comment made me pause for a moment and consider if I really wanted to continue moving forward.

It was a very brief moment though, because I soon was hurrying towards the roar of the lake, giggling with excitement.

The winds were absolutely fierce and their pull was so strong that it nearly blew me over! The cloth fencing that was along the edge of the cliff that was installed there for safety had completely blown off and was no longer even in sight.

I stood there watching the huge waves crash in as the sand from the beach far below pelted my face.

I LOVED it!

I was amazed at how the fury of the waves and winds lifted my spirits.

There is something about seeing the power of nature that gives me tremendous perspective, and reminds me that all of the small details that concern me on a daily bases are not so important.

As I walked back, I reflected at how driven I am by challenge and adventure.  I love how fun it feels to be outside of my comfort zone.

Now, if you read my story last week about when I ran away from a snake that I conjured up with my imagination, this might surprise you.

But I know when I succumb to my fears and try to live “safely” in my comfort zone, I feel bored and unfulfilled, truly blah.

I NEED adventure and challenge in my life!

This is what I often see in people when they contact me for coaching.  They talk about feeling unhappy and discontent with their lives, despite having most everything they have ever wanted.

However, they’ve been playing it “safe”, longing for more, but pulling themselves back.  And often, trying to soothe themselves by over-eating, drinking, shopping, working, etc., which of course, never really fills the void.

I get this.  I’ve been there.

But now, I have the best job on the planet, because I get to help people shine to their truest potential!  I get to help them muster the courage to run into the wind.  Nothing lights me up more than seeing my clients light up!

Okay, so now let’s talk about YOU!

Are you staying safely tucked inside your comfort zone, but know you are capable of MUCH MORE?

How often are you challenging yourself to reach higher?

Are you ready to let go of your fear story and go for the adventure that’s in your heart?

You have only this one precious life.

GO GET IT!