—
It recently occurred to me that some of my most daring adventures have been a result of heartbreak. There is something about an expiring relationship that has catapulted me towards personal growth. Some people consider it my way of finding myself again. I prefer to think of it as coming home to myself. Having the ability to move through heartbreak and come out stronger on the other side is empowering.
Heartbreaks have prompted me to take a solo camping trip, change careers, finish grad school, and travel to the other side of the world, alone. It never fails as I begin to find my own strength and courage again that I begin hearing Sheila E singing, “she don’t need a man’s touch, she wants to lead a glamorous life without love, it ain’t much.” A glamorous life is not really what I am after, nor is a life without love. However, I begin to feel the fire burning within me and I know there is no stopping something big from happening.
Recently, I have been listening and reading a lot by Brene Brown. Her words about daring greatly and vulnerability have been resonating with me. We have this one life to live and I believe it is important to show up every damn day. What I mean by that, is to truly push our levels or greatness and what we are capable of. I spent many years in fear of doing things. I was never afraid of failing, I have failed greatly many times. What I feared most was succeeded and recognizing my full potential.
There is no more room for this fear of living to my highest potential in my life. I do not know yet what my full or highest potential is. I do know I am ready to push myself out of my comfort zone in an attempt to find out. It is time that I dare greatly. My intention is to set out on a course filled with a year of great dares. Each month I will challenge myself to some area of life which I want to see improvement or something I would like to grow through. I firmly believe when we push our limits rather than wallow in sadness, we can move through it more effectively.
In the past, I have arrived at some personal growth one destination at a time which took decades. I am now ready to embark on a grand adventure of daring greatly as I do what is best for me over the course of one year. A year of growth and pushing outside of my personal contentment.
—
This post is republished on Medium.
***
The Good Men Project gives people the insights, tools, and skills to survive, prosper and thrive in today’s changing world. A world that is changing faster than most people can keep up with that change. A world where jobs are changing, gender roles are changing, and stereotypes are being upended. A world that is growing more diverse and inclusive. A world where working towards equality will become a core competence. We’ve built a community of millions of people from around the globe who believe in this path forward. Thanks for joining The Good Men Project.
Support us on Patreon and we will support you and your writing! Tools to improve your writing and platform-building skills, a community to get you connected, and access to our editors and publisher. Your support will help us build a better, more inclusive world for all.
***
Photo credit: Sammie Chaffin on Unsplash