I hear you. You’re saying, “Tami, are you crazy? I have a million doors in my life! My front door, back door, closet door, car door…” Yes, I know we all have doors in our lives. I’m not talking about a solid material door. I’m referring to a figurative door.
This “door” could be one that you aren’t willing to open, it could even be one you refuse to close. Let’s say your door is one that you aren’t willing to open. Why? What’s on the other side of the door? Is it a new relationship? Is there some reason you’re afraid to let someone special into your heart? Maybe you’re scared of getting your heart broken, or a fear of rejection. Perhaps it’s an opportunity, such as a new business venture, or a new place to live. Are you afraid you’ll fail if you try a new career? Maybe you’d like to move but your just not ready for all the hassle of relocating, selling, buying, packing, loading, etc. Perhaps on the other side of the door is travel, but you don’t want to go alone, or you’re afraid to fly. In all these instances you are leaning against the door, forcing it to stay closed. The weight of your hesitation and fear makes it impossible for the door to open. But do you know the one thing that is greater than all that fear and hesitation? Regret. The regret of not opening that door, and seeing whats on the other side, experiencing life’s changes and possibilities, is far, far greater than any fear you may have.
I have a close friend who kept herself in a stale, broken marriage because she was afraid of the unknown. “What if I never meet anyone who will love me?” she’d say. “What if I die an old and forgotten woman who gave up being unhappy but comfortable, for something that could be far worse?” Ah, yes, but what if you find the love of your life? What if there’s something more to life than being miserable? Won’t you regret not finding that, even more? I’m not a marriage counselor, and I told her to decide for herself. She chose to leave. She got a place of her own, and was quite content to care for her pets and her little home. She became involved in her own life. She exercised, she made friends, she volunteered, and became active in her community. Life was wonderful! And then she met a man by accident one day, who was everything and more she had ever dreamed of. He swept her off her feet, and they live very happily ever-after. She has commented to me several times, “I never dreamed how my life could change. I was so fearful of the unknown. Oh how sad it makes me feel when I think how I’d regret never having made the changes I have! I’m grateful each day for overcoming the fear!”
She opened her door. You can open your door, too. Step aside, and allow it to open. See and accept what is waiting on the other side.
The same can be said for those of us who refuse to close a door. Sometimes we need to end something, and yet for many reasons, which we profusely make excuses for; we just refuse to let go. Perhaps there’s an ongoing argument between you and a friend. There were heated words, accusations flew, blame was pointed, and now the fight goes on, in uncomfortable silence. The awkwardness and hostility hang in the air, making every occasion a dreaded event. Shut the door!
Maybe the door you need to close is one of jealousy. Your sister and her family have a better home, car, life, etc. The green-eyed monster eats away at you until you can’t stand it. Close that door! Be grateful for what you have, and happy for your sister.
Perhaps you’re in a dead-end job. You try and try to please your boss by going out of your way to show your amazing qualities, but the promotions always go to someone else. You don’t get recognized for your successes, and you never get a raise. Push that door shut, and move on! Find a place where you’re appreciated, and recognized for your accomplishments. Drop the fear of what else is out there. Don’t live with the regret of never finding out!
Your door could be anything. You know what’s holding you back from opening it, or what you need to let go of to finally close it. Life is short. Take a chance on it. Be positive that what’s on the other side of your door will be wonderful! Be grateful for the ability to close your door to unresolved issues, and move ahead. Always have gratitude for the intelligence to make the hard decisions, and the fortitude to see them through. Life is about change. Don’t let a door come between you and your happiness.
Need some inspiration? Message me. We all have doors at one time or another.
Tami Loves…an open door to possibilities, and a closed door to dead-ends.
