I watched a young man make his way to the stage.  It was a healing crusade and he was going to have special prayers said for him. Hopefully, he would not need his crutches any longer after the session.  I watched, fascinated.  When he dropped the crutches I held my breath...would he stay standing? Would he walk?

This young man comes to mind today as I think about the excuses you make so often that you begin believing them to be fact. He had spent many years depending on crutches to walk.  How would he manage without them, even if he didn't need them any more?

Your excuses can  become mental crutches, items you cannot do without. What happens when you let go?

You make the effort to be bigger, to go farther, and to try harder! Mental crutches keep you from growing, without them you are forced to flourish.

How do you know you are using them? If you tell yourself things such as the following on a regular basis, then you are using mental crutches:

I'm too old. No one will ever marry me. I talk funny. It can't be done. I have no support. No one believes in me. I'm stuck. My salary is too little.  It's never been done before. Who would purchase my product or service? I will forgive, but never forget. Why does this always happen to me? I guess this is the way it's supposed to be. I can't afford the life I want. I'm going to play it safe and not rock the boat. I can't make enough money doing what I love.

Notice how these statements keep you from making a move. All of these thoughts keep you from pursuing your heart's desires. They are excuses for you to stay in your comfort zone, and if you stay within your comfort zone you cannot grow.

To expand your comfort zone try the following simple variations in your life:

·         Use a different route home

·         Shop at a different store

·         Compliment a stranger

·         Give unexpectedly

·         Learn a new skill

Such deliberate actions help you practice spontaneity, letting go of routine and familiarity, and expanding your comfort zone. And with practice you can apply the same process to your thoughts.

Today make a list of 100 things, big and small, you would like to do in your life, just for your happiness.

Then start working on it.