CHALLENGE

"Life presents us with a series of challenges, challenges that we can shrink away from or rise to meet." — Jonas Cain

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When I was 9 years old I played saxophone in my elementary school's fourth grade band. The music teacher, Mrs. Megan, thought that I was advancing faster than my peers so she invited me to join the sixth grade band. This was a big deal! I was such a shy kid, and all of a sudden being thrown into the lion's den with the big kids was a rare opportunity!

Yet my first day of sixth grade band would also be my last.

I sat in front of the music stand among the advanced players completely overwhelmed by the experience. There were notes on the page that I had never even seen before! And being the timid boy that I was, I didn't dare speak up and ask for help.

When the second day of sixth grade band came around, I conveniently "forgot" the saxophone at home. Of course, I didn't really forget the saxophone, I had left it there on purpose so I didn't have to go back there and experience the discomfort of growing pains again.

When life presents us with a challenge we have the choice to step back into our comfort zone or step up in to our growth zone, and even 28 years later I still sometimes wonder how my life would be different if I had chosen to step up and give a gift to my future self instead of stepping back into temporary security. 

Reflection​
Are you currently stepping back into your comfort zone? Or are you stepping up into your growth zone? 

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