Courage to Get Uncomfortable

I talk a lot about courage. The fact is, I am a wimp! Yep, it is true. I have often been immobilized by my own fears. But over the years, I have learned that courage is never the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. And that is where I am in my life right now. I am more willing to step-up and face my fears head-on. The more I face fear, the less fear I feel, the more courageous I become. 

It is kind of a beautiful process. 

I recently bought a book called, "Step Outside Your Comfort Zone." I have enjoyed the book so far. It is a book full of motivational short stories of people willing to face their fears and jump out of their comfort zones. We all have our comfort zones, or the things that keep us from being totally brave. But our dreams all exist outside of our comfort zones, so sometimes risks need to be taken to see what is possible. 

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "Courage is a love affair with the unknown." 

Another favorite is, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." 

How fantastic, right? 

Is it worth it to be brave? So far in my life, I would have to say, "Yes!"

I have made some new "goals" for this year. They are simple and sweet. Because that is about all I can handle right now. 

My goals are: I want to do something really fun once a month. And I "want" to do something really scary once a month. 

For example, something scary could be: climbing a rock wall, riding a horse, singing a solo in church, etc. And fun things, well... the list of fun is endless, but I need to PLAN to do at least one fun thing a month, or else I just won't do it. I figure it will give me "something to look forward to" with the fun thing. And "something to overcome" by facing the scary thing. 

There must be balance to life, right? 

Right. 

So, onto some random life pictures... 

Here is Sammi loving on her panda from Christmas. She decided to name him Jack Black. Oh yeah. I know this is weird, but when Jack Black is not being weird, I actually think he is attractive. Sammi thinks so too. 

It has become a tradition over the years, to get a big stuffed animal on Christmas. The pile is getting a little ridiculous, so I am not sure how much longer the tradition will last!

The kids got a lot of music books for Christmas, and some are still coming in the mail. Now we have got some really good stuff to sing and play! Woo!

Sammi was helping Daniel prepare for his tryout, for an upcoming benefit concert at school. He had to tryout with the song, "Love is an Open Door." He could really rock that song because it was right in his range. We are really working with Daniel to set free the "whine" in his singing. It is coming along nicely. His voice is so big and powerful for being so young. It will be interesting to see how his voice develops over time. And to think, he did not even want to join choir. And neither did Sammi. Ha!

I went on a date with this cute boy. We went to see The Greatest Showman. I really loved it. At one point, I was so sucked into the music, I forgot I was at a movie theater. I was just there, in the moment, and that has not happened in a long time. At the end of the movie the audience actually clapped. It was that good. It was so fun to watch it with Daniel. He was a great date.

 I figure the best way to teach him how to treat girls, is for him to take me on dates for practice.

 We went to the Crepe place by the movie theater.

 This sign is truth.

 Yum!

 Crepes are good.

Speaking of teenagers. I LOVE my calling of teaching the youth. It is the best! I posted one of my object lessons on a Widow/ers Facebook site I belong to... 

Last week I had the kids in my class teach the lesson about Heavenly Father. They split into groups and did a great job. I asked their permission to take their pictures. :) 

 I am so lucky, I get to teach my Sammi! I absolutely love everyone in my class. They are amazing! (Some of my students were missing that day, and I missed them!)

Another post from FB... I figure I better put them on my blog, because I think they eventually disappear on the W/W page. 

William wanted to show how tall he is getting. These boys of mine! Seriously! It is so funny, because Charles was not a big guy, but his boys are beastly! Oh well, I am not complaining. They are good for manual labor and protection. Sammi is a tough girl too, and I love that.  

Sammi showing off her strength. She still likes to beat the boys arm-wrestling at school. Though some of the boys are catching up to her strength now that they are older.

I have been running and pounding the pavement still. It has been nice and mild outside, and I am grateful.

I have done more TaeBo than running though, and I have enjoyed a change in pace. I am so grateful to feel strong and healthy again. What a blessing! 

 The kids have been working out too. They were doing a finger joust or something? I dunno?

 Watching Shrek the Musical. Such a good show with awesome music.

Daniel got the part he was hoping for in the benefit concert. He wanted to be Quasimodo from the stage musical of Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is performing the song, "Out There." It should be good. He gets to belt it out in his higher range, so he is a happy guy.

Sammi has been practicing tap-dancing. The high school is putting on the show Anything Goes. It should be a good production. I hope my wood floor can handle all the practicing!

I read this scripture on a day I really needed it. I love the phrase, "Swallowed up in the joy of Christ." How beautiful is that? I just love it.

 I also love this quote...

And, finally, here is another post I wrote on the Widow/ers Facebook page. Yes, I know, I can be a little feisty. But do you know how happy I am to feel feisty again? I have been docile for far too long!

And along with the post, I would like to put it out there...

I am open to dating! 

So, if you know anyone who you think would qualify as a "Superman" please let me know.

Thanks! ;)