How much space do you take up in the world? I am staying small. It’s a choice. After three years of the pandemic telling me to keep my world small to stay safe (remain home, avoid others), I’ve found that it’s become my normal state. But unless there’s a pandemic, a war, or a lion is chasing me, staying small doesn’t serve me well. Perhaps, it’s time to consider taking up more space and going BIG?
Small Seemed Safe
I understand why I’ve stayed small. After trauma, it’s a defence mechanism.* Staying small feels safer: walking around my familiar neighbourhood, seeing the same friendly faces for coffee and sitting at home crocheting. It’s predictable and I feel secure. But, it’s not really any safer. Scary things can happen to me even when I take up the smallest space. Fires, floods, storms, diseases and death – all the bad stuff – will still happen no matter how much space I live in.
Introverts Can Go BIG
I am missing out on the fullness of life when I live in a small space. All the possibilities and experiences that I could have in my life will never be explored unless I go BIG. Going BIG means staying open to new opportunities, meeting new people, traveling far and wide and expanding my comfort zone. Going BIG isn’t just for extroverts. That’s an introvert’s cop out excuse. An introvert can go BIG and then plan some recovery time each day. Going BIG is for everyone looking to squeeze all the goodness out of their life.
Embracing discomfort can lead to discovering a newfound strength and freedom, providing us with the means to live life to the fullest.**
Luana Marques Ph.D.
Creating a Meaningful Life
No Regrets
There are no do-overs. This is it. I’m going BIG even though I feel nervous and afraid. It’s actually less scary than staying small and feeling deep regret for all the things I missed doing with my one precious life.
*”While defense mechanisms are often thought of as negative reactions, we all need them to temporarily ease stress and protect self-esteem during critical times, allowing us to focus on what is necessary at the moment.” –Kendra Cherry, MSEd
**Click here to read about how to Dismantle Reactive Avoidance.
Retired, And Now What? 
I always needed/craved wide open spaces, and even during the pandemic I managed to get out of the house, if only to drive to the absolute middle of nowhere to spend time all alone in the wilderness.
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