My reactions to thoughts have been changing.

I’m working on being more skeptical of some of my thoughts. I'm running thoughts and doubts through a tighter filter, not letting just any ol’ thought capture and hold my attention.

For a long time, I thought that stepping outside my comfort zone was somehow dangerous.

Now I know that's BS.

I’ve realized that the boundaries of my ‘comfort zone’ are more like an invisible fence, constructed by my thoughts.

I had started to sense that something was missing, or something wasn't quite right with the way I was living my life. But I didn't dare to admit this, especially to myself.

To an outsider looking in, I had my $hit together. I had a stable, loving, and supportive relationship with a partner I was (still am) totally in love with. We had a cute house in a nice neighborhood that we could afford. We had adopted the sweetest, most adorable puppy. I had a solid 10+ year career, I was damn good at it, and it paid the bills. I was healthy. I had amazing friends who loved me and inspired me. I had my cute little ducks in a row. All of that was fine and dandy.

PERMISSION.

It doesn’t need to come from outside yourself. It’s something you can give yourself.

I was so mad.

I was so mad because I had realized how good I’d gotten at finding ways to hold myself back.