Growth doesn’t happen in the risk-free zone.
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I wasn’t going to write this.
Long story short, eight years ago, I picked up and moved from my home state of California.
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But there’s no need to sugar coat it and ignore the pink elephant in the room (ok, and if you’re just meeting me for the first time, among other things, I’m a city girl living in the country.)
It was a tough transition. No joke.
Imagine leaving everything. And I mean everything–home, family, the place you grew up, your roots, your rock, work, best friends, people you love, even your puppy dog (yep.sigh)…everything.
“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1
How in the world do you deal with a tough transition like that? Is it just me, or was Abraham having an inner conflict, too?
“Uhhh, God…what did you just say? Could you please repeat that???” (Gulp… yes, I heard Him… but you know how it is… We need some extra time to process what He just told us to do.)
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Long story short, eight years ago, I picked up and moved from my home state of California and moved to the deep south.
What??? (I can hear you now…most people are trying to get to the sunshine state and here I am leaving it?)
Have you ever left all the comforts of everything you knew and loved to obey the call of God on your life?
Growth doesn’t happen in the risk-free zone. It happens in your place of obedience and sacrifice.
Look, I want you to know that I get it. I understand. You’re not alone in feeling like you’re alone. But here’s the kicker. Even though you may have felt like you left everything, there’s someone who never left you, and His name is Jesus.
I want to give you five quick strategies that have helped me deal with my transition. I hope they help you deal with yours too.
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Strategy #1: Take Responsibility for Your Choices
Stop blaming others for the trouble you may be going through. While they may have contributed to it, you can’t control their response or force someone to do what you want. Forgive quickly and go on with your life. You can’t change other people, you can only change yourself.
Be encouraged by this verse: “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew.” Exodus 12:1
Strategy #2: Change Your Thinking
So you’ve got to stop thinking negative. The more you dwell on past hurts and pains, the bigger they’ll become. Other people are not responsible for your happiness. You are in control of that. Remember, whatever you water is what grows.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
Strategy #3: Get Some New Friends
And we know that in all things God works for the good.
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You don’t need people who gossip and belittle you behind your back. Instead, you want those who pray for you and link up arms with you to help you succeed. Listen, if you hang around people who drag you down, that’s pretty much where you’ll find yourself, down. So change the company you keep and surround yourself with success. Remember, the best predictor of what someone will do is what they have done already. Rocket science, huh?
Strategy #4: Instead of Regretting What You Lost, Celebrate What You’ve Stepped Into
Romans 8:28 says, ” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So even though you may not be able to see or feel it right now, there is a purpose in your pain and a reason for your struggle.
God will not put more on you than you can bear.
“You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Strategy #5: Blossom Where You’re Planted
Start investing in programs, products, services and books that will elevate your thinking and help you to create something that you love and were born to do. Blossom by serving and helping others. Find creative ways to be yourself, do work you love.
Question: Are you going through a transition right now? How are you coping with it? Comment below.
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This article originally appeared on JevonnahEllison.com.
Photo: Flickr/ floato
Ann, I’m so sorry. The Bible tells us that to have a friend, we must show ourselves friendly. But you must also be wise in the selection of those friends. Choose people who will inspire, uplift and encourage you – not drain you. Keep yourself busy pursing your purpose and serving others instead of focusing on finding love 100% of the time. As you serve and love others, it will come back to you. It’s not too late for you. What God has for you is for you. Comfort yourself with a supportive community (you can check out http://www.maximumpotentialacademy) or… Read more »
Here’s the correct link: https://maximumpotentialacademy.com
Hello.. I clicked on when I saw your heading. And, i am not dealing with it well at all.
My struggle has been to find love. Whether I am seeking it or not, it is elusive to me.
It has cloaked my heart and I am often distracted. How do I make new friends?
I rarely meet men…and after a women is a certain age that seems to lessen the
suitors. I don’t have the answers…..and don’t know how to comfort myself.
Thanks
Jevonnah,
Strategy #1: Take Responsibility for Your Choices
That should end a lot of the complaining, blaming and pointing fingers most of us do. Great tips –
Thank you, Dan! This is something I have to intentionally practice daily. I appreciate you reading and commenting!
Jevonnah,
I am so glad you are in my circle of influence. Keep speaking the truth, and being vulnerable to us! I truly needed to hear this again.
Blessings to you!
Coach Steve
Thank you so much, Steve! I appreciate you!
Jevonnah, this post really resonates with me. It took and continues to take a TON of each of these strategies to guide me along my path to continuous improvement. Well done!
Thanks so much, Nick! Your book is a huge blessing, and I haven’t been able to put it down. Started reading 2 days ago and am on the last few chapters now. You knocked it out the park.
Solid info!! Love #5!! Blossom where you’re planted. This is so inspiring and so possible when we open our minds and our hearts. We can all make so much out of what we already have.
Thank you, Walt! You nailed the key, “when we open our minds and hearts.” That can be the biggest challenge. Thanks for reading!