When Familiar means Safe
We talk a lot about change and being ready for transformation.
But the reality is:
No one changes until the discomfort becomes too unbearable to keep going. Stepping into the unknown is uncomfortable so we keep it for later. Sometimes, simply taking action pushes us out of our comfort zone, - or “uncomfortable but familiar” zone.
We know what we leave behind, not what awaits us.
People find it difficult to let go of their pain. They prefer familiar suffering because they fear the unknown” – Thich Nhat Hanh
The familiar always feels safer to our fearful self, until we can’t take it any longer.
A short story
My neighbour crashed his snowmobile last year. It was a pretty bad accident, and he was lucky to come through practically unscathed. The snowmobile suffered a lot more damages, especially the steering. We helped him take it home and he fixed it how he could. Because he doesn’t like to go to town and is afraid that it might cost him a fortune, he never had it properly repaired. Since, he’s been driving it with a bent steering and the handlebars at knee level. I can’t think of more uncomfortable and unsafe way to drive a snowmobile! He’d rather put up with such a discomfort than taking the machine to a repair shop… For him, that feels safer and more comfortable.
So, the real question is:
How long can you hold on to a painful situation before taking action?
How far are you ready to go and adapt to the discomfort rather than making the uneasy and scary decision to move away from it?
To leave the familiar and take a leap into the unknown?
Think about it this coming month. December is a month of review before stepping into the New Year.
2026 promises to be a year of fast-moving forward! Be ready to jump onboard of this new year with a new energy.
Two free guided activations await you here – The Golden Light and The Pyramid.
There is no need to wait until the discomfort becomes unbearable to take the reins of your life.
Ready for more?
If you’re ready for it, I offer different containers to support you in your bold decision:
- Three One-on-one coaching programmes with me – with a current 25% offer (!) until December 20 2025.
- The Lead In the Wild programme for those serious about moving forward with their life, in a bold and transformative way.
- A unique and powerful Mastermind for Women - entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, change-makers – starting in January with Agnès Janowski - en français! – 2 mentors. 8 weeks. Unlimited support. 2 calls/week & much more!
Contact me and let’s talk about it on a connecting call. No string attached.
Until next time!
Rachel