risks and losses are what make us successful.  If we are overly conservative, then that's the type of life that we will live.  a conservative life is not necessarily a bad thing, but it's just something that will not take us anywhere.

Stepping out of our comfort zone is what keeps us going and growing.  If we are not growing are we going backwards?

Very inspirational!  Always glad to hear from someone who is passionate about their field of expertise.  Feng Shui is a very complex and interesting principle with applications in our daily lives as well as the more commonly understood real estate energy.
JimG

Carole, I so needed this "pick-me-up", thank you!

Life is risky in itself. 

If not for taking risks....we'd wonder the rest of our lives ....and I can't do the coulda woulda shoulda anymore :)

Wow...that one is going wayyyyy back. I remember listening to it while riding the bus on my  way to work! A personal favorite...

Hi Carole,  As much as I dislike it,  I make my self step out of the box from time to time.  I am not always successful, but it sure helps us learn and grow.  Besides, it gives me material to laugh about.

What a wonderful and timely post! I think risk and stepping out of the box should be embraced. If we never ventured out of our comfort zone we would miss out on so much opportunity to grow! While it is nice to enjoy a pleasant place, it is important to recognize the difference between catching your breath in a calm, happy place and hiding under the covers!

Carole, I've always heard the expression risk to grow. No ship ever explored and discovered anything in the safety of the harbor,

So true... and just hit home for me. It is that time when getting out of the comfort zone, doing something positive and different can change our lives. We grow, learn and evolve to an other level.

Good morning Carole,

I love that song! Just what I needed this morning. I received a call in the wee morning hours that my dear Uncle Bear had passed away this morning. He always lived life to the fullest and had a smile and a little humour for everyone.....

One of my favourite quotes is the one that says 'Your life expands in direction proportion to your courage' by Anais Nin

Jo 

Carole ~ I don't think I ever stepped out of my comfort zone until I started my business.  The logical side of me knows this is the only way to move forward, and quashes the emotional side of me that says "No, I don't want to". 

Hi Carole! I'm not very good about staying in the box. It makes me happy to change things up to keep life fresh. I prefer order and stability in my home life in order to be creative in my business. It gives me balance to continue. Every now and then when I am thrown a curve ball (like the spasm in my back a few days ago) I have to step back and take time to heal. Doing so makes me stronger instead of running on empty.

Carole:  Hi, you are so right...we are not changing if we don't step out of our comfort zone.  Thanks for posting.

Carole - I received an unexpected bit of information from this blog... my mother heard the song and reported to me that she and my father both love it, so if anything ever happens to remember that. Apparently that song, she feels, would bring them out of a coma or what have you. So thanks for that! As for the point of your blog - I have to step out of my comfort zone more often. I am not one who adjusts quickly to change. Being aware of it, though, is a good step for me. Now I have to think about it and make myself try new things. Chris

Don't you love reaching out to You Tube for some of your favorite music.  It's brave to step out of your comfort zone. Have a bright and sunshiny day!

I love this song and your inspirational post.  I can see a lot more clearly when I take the time just to look at things from a different angle. 

Carole:  You truly are an awesome blogger.  You write such meaningful posts and this one especially hits very close to home for me since I've experienced a very heart breaking loss recently.  I will revisit this post often for inspiration and motivation.  I see why you are one of the most successful consultants in your field.

Carole--If we don't bounce back...what is the alternative? Having a great support system helps in picking yourself up! Nice post as usual. :)

Love that song choice Carole I can see clearly now the rain is gone.....

When you stick your head out above the crowd and take a chance you are bound to get tomatoes thrown and fall occasionally - but it's the one willing to get back up and keep going that develops character:)

Thanks for sharing this uplifting tune & POST

Sincerely,

Grace

Dennis, Thank you for your thoughts and comments. It is always difficult to "step out" but it feels so good later that we tried.

I believe this is going to look like a "wall" of words but I don't have any icons...for bolding or spell-checking :( Sorry for the late response, I was having much needed oral surgery (ouch!). Julie Ann, Interesting point, I never thought of it as going backwards but it may very well be! Something to think about. Thank you for your comment. Jim G, Thank you for your comment. Feng Shui is very applicable to our world and is finally being recognized and not so misunderstood as it was years ago. It took a long time for some people to realize it makes sense. Marzena, You're welcome, I'm glad to hear it gave you a pick me up :) Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Sally, Your comment made me laugh. I did the coulda, woulda, shouda for too many years myself! It's better to just go and do it. Joan, It's a favorite of mine, too. When was it, 70's? I should have looked, I didn't think it was THAT old :) Audrey, I am not always successful either but don't they say our only regrets are the things we didn't try in life? Thank you for your comment. Rich, You are so right, I would have missed SO much! For years I didn't because I needed the security of staying where I was but when I started to, I kept doing it! Gary, Where do you get all these anologies? You should be writing a book, complete with those wonderful pictures in your posts! Arina, Every time I step out something else seems to come up--and I have to wonder if I want to try something new AGAIN. And I always do...it's challanging for sure but worth it.

Jo, I am so sorry to hear about your Uncle and hope that you are holding up ok. I know how difficult it is and I hope that you find some happiness somewhere in your trip. I loved your quote...Blessings my friend. Kathy, I think it was when my kids came that I stepped out of my comfort zone. I never used to question a doctor or authority figure before then but your claws come out when your kids are involved and you speak up...and even speaking up for me was stepping out. It definitely had an impact on my business as well, you need to get out of your box often. Lizette, I hope your back is feeling better! I'm glad to hear you "step out" quite a bit, maybe it's what keeps us from getting too old anyway...taking risks! Dianne, It's not always fun, but it certainly makes you grow....thank you for your comment! Chris, Interesting that the song has some kind of meaning...it is really difficult to start doing things you have never done before but it does push you along in life....and you never have to wonder what would have happened if you had chosen to do it....go for it! Diane, Thank you. I love You Tube but I never go on it without thinking about Grace Saffrin, who took the time to call me and explain (she is SO patient) how to put it in a blog....and I have to tell her one day that every time I'm on there, she gets a blessing! Joan, There are so many angles---what I always think of in all the different perspectives in Feng Shui. Things are never black and white... Donna, I read about your loss and I'm so sorry. I know how it feels and how difficult it is. I have always thought of my animals as my children. I hope you are feeling better soon. Teri, Sometimes I have to catch my breath before getting back up again...but we all do sooner or later. We only regret the things we didn't try I think. Grace, I mentioned you in another comment on here. I would have been able to get to You Tube if it weren't for you and I never forget it. There's not a time I'm on that site that I don't send you a blessing (you're getting quite a few :)!

Carole~ I'm finding that as I get older it's gets easier and easier to step out of my comfort zone.  Loved Gary W's comment too, so true.  BTW- Happy Mother's Day!

Hi Carol...Sorry I missed this great post, I've Been Busy.

Love The song,one of my favorites too. Wish you a Bright Sunny Day Too.

I think if you are a fighter you are always steping outside of your comfort zone. I know I do, I still want to be the Best and never stop trying to please my clients and friends. Sure I have bad days, who doesn't, but for the most part they are busy and successfull for me.

I keep taking courses to stay on top, and I soon fall into a comfort zone with new ideas and training.

I recently stepped out of my comfort zone again with a 7 week course with Floyd Wickmans S.M.A.R.T program...Wow I wish I had this 30 years ago.

Have a awesome weekend Carol!

Lisa, Happy Mother's Day to you as well.  Yes, I am stepping out more and more then ever lately.

Fred, I guess I am a "fighter" though I never thought of myself that way.  I like to keep reaching bounderies and trying to go beyond.  I would love to hear about the S.M.A.R.T. program, it sounds like you really enjoyed it and I'm not familiar with it.

Carol,
My Dad likes to tell me that for every sucess one has, he/she has 10 failures.  That is supposed to make me feel better?  LOL!  No pain, no gain you know.

Hi Carole,

 I am not a big risk taker and I know when I fail I have to get right back up or life will pass me by. From every failure there is a lesson to learn, to grow from.

Hi Carol, very uplifting and a good reminder to "go for it"!

Cynthia, I hate to diagree with your Dad but I don't believe that....we learn from our "failures" so all is not lost! Trace, We certainly do grow....and hopefully continue to take more risks and grow more. It can be difficult but it can also be a wonderful feeling! Cristal, I try to always "Go for it." I think everything and everybody comes into your life for a reason---and we may never find out what it is if we don't try new things.