In Foreign Territory

I recently traveled to Canada with my family, visiting Montreal and Quebec City. We took this trip in pursuit of our goal to see all 50 of the United States and the 10 provinces of Canada.As we turned off our cell service (opting not to pay for an international plan given it was only a 5-day trip), we crossed the border on a lonely two-lane road connecting northeast New York to Canada. And then it happened. I saw a road sign. It was entirely in French. I panicked. We were in foreign territory.I had thought about this trip for months. I looked forward to exploring new cities with the kids and experiencing a different culture.But the minute we entered this unknown territory, all I wanted to do was turn around and go back to what I knew – go back to my comfort zone. Back there, I knew what to expect. And I could understand the world around me.I seriously contemplated giving up this opportunity that was literally right in front of me in favor of turning back. To the old territory. To what was used to.Luckily, I wasn’t driving so I couldn’t turn around. But as we headed down the road into this foreign territory, my panic turned to anxiety. I found myself thinking, “What are you doing? You can’t navigate this unknown territory. You better just go back to what you know.”These thoughts were followed by a direct response from my heart, which was uttering, “But you are excited about this journey. You’ve wanted this for a while and you’ve made it this far. You know there is joy to be found. Do you really want to turn around now and miss the opportunity that’s right in front of you?”With my eyes fixed on the fields passing by outside my window, I observed this inner battle inside me. I couldn’t help but think that this is exactly how many people feel about simplifying.It’s new.It’s foreign.Its unchartered territory.It requires you to step out of your comfort zone. To shift your thoughts. To trust that what you’re wanting is out there. And that it’s worth pursuing.Every single one of us has the opportunity to find freedom through simplifying. I know that it can seem so much easier to just stay comfortable and stick with what you’ve known, even if you’re not completely happy. I felt this way for a long time before I took action and simplified. As the years went by, it got harder and harder to step out of that comfort zone, even though life in the comfort zone had become unfulfilling.I’m grateful that I didn’t let my head win the battle against my heart back then. I’m thankful that I decided to “get in the car” and “hit the road.” And most importantly, that I didn’t decide to turn around when I ended up in foreign territory.Just as I did on this trip to Canada, when I arrived in foreign territory, I stayed focused on the excitement of my goal (to explore and find joy), I asked others for help when I needed it (thankfully almost everyone also speaks English!) and I remained content with the fact that it was okay to not understand every little detail along the way. I figured out what I needed to as I went and in the end, I succeeded in finding what I set out for.If you’re living a fulfilling life in your comfort zone, then the journey to simplicity, to foreign territory, might not be for you right now.But if you’re discontented with your current situation and you’ve been considering simplifying for a while, I encourage you to set out on your journey. And stay focused on the freedom you desire, even when you end up in foreign territory. You’ll be glad you did.Wishing you joy on your journey,Lisa