I remember an indoor childhood game quite fondly; one that could be played even under the watchful eyes of the adults. It was called the rubber band game. I also wished it had a more glamorous name. The rules of the game were quite simple; players went far and threw their bands. If your band touched that of another person, you automatically owned it. Now, I agree the game was quite silly but it made us happy back then.
Winning the games gave me more bands than I previously had and I proudly wore them on my wrists. However, being sore losers, some of my friends would pull so hard at it and let go (which hurt a lot). I simply learned to keep them hidden from view to avoid the pull. What is so fascinating about the rubber band? That’s easy. For me, it was its flexibility and elasticity. I was amazed by its ability to stretch wider than its look when pressure was added and return back to its original size as pressure reduced.
What is the essence of my trip back memory lane?
The rubber band can teach us a lesson or two. Most of us are content to remain in our original form because of the fear of leaving the box we have known all our lives. The fear of stepping out of our comfort zone creates a false illusion of safety which results in mediocrity. And a mediocre can never rule the world because the person can only produce ordinary results. We are held prisoners with the thought that if we are stretched just a teeny bit, we will definitely break. Although, when it comes to exercises, it becomes a different matter. We are quick to don our gym-wear and perform stretches to make our bodies more flexible.
When will we understand that stretches are not limited to workouts alone?
Why are we so scared to make our thoughts and mind more flexible so that they make extraordinary moves? If a band can be stretched and it didn’t break under the weight of the pressure, why would you break when you are made of so much more? Please, stop limiting the heights you can achieve. If you do not have anyone to encourage you, I would gladly do it because you are capable of so much more than your mind can imagine. Stop hiding in the comfort zone; it is time to reach your potential and own your world!!!
Love,
Diane
