In a previous post, I mentioned how making a simple list helped to guide me and to stay focused on what I needed to do.
On that list was relocation to America. Relocating to America was not an easy decision for me; even though I know it was the right move for me.
London was more than a place of residence, it was my home. London represented my journey to being a woman. I had my first job and paycheck in London, I became a responsible daughter sending money to my mother in Nigeria. I gained my freedom in London, I rented my first room, then my first apartment and later I bought my very first home.
I learned how to drive for the first time in my life there; then I bought my first car. I also gave my life to Christ for the first time in London. Oh the memories are all coming back now. I experience all sorts in London but let’s tick to just the good part only, yeah!
As you can see, there were too many first for me in London, it also became my comfort zone while I flirt with the idea of relocating for years I just couldn’t bring myself to leave. Don’t allow your comfort zone to become your coffin! Be willing to change.
It’s not easy to just walk away from somewhere you have lived for 16 yrs, especially when you are being financially blessed there. I had a great job; a thriving business on the side and money was not an issue. My family lived there as well as life long friends. I knew my way around London much more than my country of birth, Nigeria.
Looking at me on the outside, you will be mistaken to think that I had it all together. Appearances can be so deceiving; inside I was unhappy and I felt what was missing was not within my control. Many times I was overwhelmed just thinking about it and how it seem out of my reach.
So I made up my simple list and committed it in to God’s hand. I didn’t know how it would all come together but I was going to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. I draw up my list 2 years before I met my husband, and I am amazed how God orchestrate things.
Every great man and woman in the bible has had to leave his or her comfort zone for an unknown place. Abram, Esther, Rahab, Ruth, Moses and many more heroes in the bible made the same move.
Is God talking / dealing with you about taking a bold step into a new direction this year? It could be starting a new business, a change in career, pursuing that passion you have talked about for ages? It could be relocating to a new place, leaving behind where everyone knows your history. Starting afresh somewhere new you can be free to be you and live the life you envision in your head.
Maybe you are like me – I questioned myself for some years if I was just trying to run away. So I continued to stay there, after all I am being financially blessed there, that surely must be a good sign, right?
We must never confuse financial blessing for God’s kind of blessing; which add no sorrow to it. Ask yourself if there is any sorrow in your life despite the obvious blessing others perceived by looking at you.
To others it seems that I had it and I dressed the part too. I covered it very well by keeping busy, and always planning my next big idea. I took “fake it till you make it to the next level”. Thank God I didn’t lose myself in the process.
How long more will you continue to dilly dally, procrastinating, thinking and over analyzing until you talk yourself out of a great idea?
There is nothing I have done without some element of fear, I constantly hear Joyce Meyer in my head saying, “Do it afraid”.
Don’t stay in your comfort zone because of fear or financial blessing. There is another type of blessing that is better than what you have experienced so far. God wants you to experience the overflow this year, it is nothing your money can buy or get you. There is a new level in God’s blessing that except you leave your comfort zone; you will never experience this overflow.
Leaving your comfort zone wont be easy, it will be challenging and you will have to make some sacrifices to get there. Your friends and family may disagree with you. It is a personal decision you have to make for yourself, not to satisfy your friends and family. In time they will all come onboard to celebrate with you.
When I made the transition to relocate to the US; right after we got married we moved to Lafayette Louisiana where I didn’t have any friends or family. Hubby was working away for weeks and I struggled adjusting to my new environment.
I had many down days and even if Hubby was around, I would still had to deal with it because its part of transition. Just because you have made the right move, it doesn’t mean that it would always feel right initially. It could take days/weeks even months and still feels wrong, you have to just persevere, hold on and ride the waves. Keep your eyes firmly on the promise, the end and not the journey.
If you don’t give up you will make it to your destination and see God’s promises fulfilled. Too many times we give up too soon.
“Obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off his goal.” -E. Joseph Cossman
Now is the time to pursue that passion of yours; you know you were born to do it. But you are afraid to take the leap into self-employment. Why not start small and gradually grow your business from home? Even if it doesn’t pay your bills now, imagine the satisfaction of starting something that you love doing.
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” -Mark Twain
Yes, leaving London was not easy but it started with a decision, a simple list I committed in god’s hand and I trusted Him to take care of me. I have a history with God; He is my provider and exceedingly great reward.
Since leaving my comfort zone behind, the floodgate of heaven seems to be opened and we are experiencing an overflow that I didn’t think was possible. All my next big idea couldn’t have gotten me here and along the way I have met incredible people who I have learned so much from.
When we commit our plans into His hands, even if we take the wrong turn, He will direct you back to the right path.
When you are in your promise land, when He has satisfy you with good things. Don’t forget to give honor and glory to the Giver and don’t forget to help others trying to get there.
Your blessings are just not for you alone, but to pull up your brothers and sisters.
Many times God reminded the children of Israel not to forsake their God who brought them out of Egypt, bondage.
Today, this year, you are coming out of bondage; you are leaving your comfort zone behind along with the weight that easily besiege you.
You will possess your wealthy place but your must trade in your comfort zone in return for a better place.
I believe that for you because I have tasted the goodness of God in the land of the living. God has not even started with us yet; take a simple step daily toward what God is about to do in your life, and your children’s life for generation to come.
Write the vision, and make it plain on tables, that he may run that reads it (HAB 2:2). Remember the battle is not to the strong. Also remember that Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zech 4:6)
PS: I am not advocating that we should all relocate, lol. If that is something you have been thinking of: do your research well before making any move.
Really profound. I find that when we write from our own experiences it hits the hardest.
I thank God for you and I pray He multiplies you a hundred fold.
Tis true. We often hold bacl 'cos of fear but sweet relief and Joy fills our heart when we take that step towards destiny.
God bless.
http://www.royremi.blogspot.com
Remi, I find that i learn better thru real life experiences also. Life is too short to live in fantasy or friction. Nice having you on Bukville and thanks for your encouragement.
Really good and motivational piece. It is so easy to relax in our comfort zone but sometimes moving is the only way forward.
Myne, We have to keep moving into the future, Life loses its meaning when we get stuck up in comfort zone. Thanks and have a great week.
I can understand you. I have lived all my life in Port Harcourt. Had my first everything there, only to move to Lagos after marriage. Whoa what a shock, didn't have any friends and knew no body. But i am getting used to it and its fun. do take care. http://www.secretlilies.blogspot.com
Ibifiri, I can just imagine the changes you have to deal with from Port Harcourt to Lagos. I am glad that you pulled thru and loving your new home now. I love Houston and cant imagine living anywhere else in the world now. I AM HOME AGAIN.
Babe you're just preaching at me. We need to talk o,when can I call?
Lara, Hello Sis how are you doing? I trust all is well, look forward to talking with you anytime.
Thank you so much for this. Timely it is. God bless
Hi Poetotria, I trust all is well you, thanks for stopping by. I am missing all my facebook friends.
I love, love this , comfort zones are dangerous, they are secret traps by the devil to make us rest on the battle ground , we can't , we have to keep on moving. Sister mi , thank you for this, I need this , there are friendships I need to quit, lots of habits to refuse in this year, and more things to do. thank you
Tolu, Yes comfort zones are dangerous, nothing comforting about it at all. Thank you Sis.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You know why, right? http://www.gbemisoke.blogspot.com
Gbemi, Yes I know why. You are going to do just great my friend. Remember I am just an email away. Have a blessed week.
as usual, your piece hit home. God is wonderful. Wow, sometimes we have to go through some ugly experiences in life in order to be the person God has designed us to be.
I get a big grin on my face when reading your posts because you are a testament to God's love and restoration power. I see people like you were everyday and my heart reaches out to them, i am so filled with compassion thinking oh God, let this girl encounter you, oh Lord beautify this girl.
Oh well …….
Ola, awwaahaha, you are too kind. God is amazing and i will sing His praises forever more.
Every word of this message is meaningful! Thank you so much for being there for us; i love to read ur post, it's so reaaaal…..never seen a blog like yours! You're my invisible mentor, i dont know you…neither do you,but i make use of everything i read here. God bless
Celia, Thanks you and i am feeling all the love you are sending to me. I cant do this without all the inputs i get from you all and I just pray that God keeps giving us the inspiration to carry on.
I totally agree with you! As long as God is leading you, you shouldn't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, it's easier said then done but it pays off in the long run. Thanks for sharing!
Blessing, hmmm tell me about it "its easier said than done indeed". With God we can do all things. Stay blessed.
HA! …. just the thought of it frightens me!
But from your words of testimony…i should be prepared to make any change or move from my comfort zone when the time comes…but walahi! i am nervous o…hehehhe..tnx 4 this masterpiece.
Ibhade, Thanks Lady, I read a book years ago called "who moved my cheese". Comfort zones are bad news.
Wonderful piece. Touched my heart. I've just gone through that myself and I can identify with most of what you shared. By the way, I did visit Louisiana and I can imagine how you felt. It's very very different from London.
More grace to you, dear. Much more grace to you.
Maidofheart. Yes Louisiana is the total opposite to London, the only thing they have in common is the Letter L. It was indeed different but the southern hospitality is the best so far. Dont get me started on Cajun food and dont mention Gumbo around me, i love it.
Lol. I love the crawfish as well and I ate fried crocodile for the first time. You're right, I did love the hospitality.
Ok, so i am convinced God must have asked you to chastise me through your post LOL. Thanks for jolting me into assurance to move forward. I am going to do it afraid. Not only doing it afraid, but doing it afraid with God's wisdom. Thanks ma cheri koko!
Blimey, LOL. I pray that God will continue to order our steps aright and to gain a heart of wisdom. I look forward to that new venture that is about to become a reality. You can do it girl, go for it.
hello buky
how are you?
leaving our comfort zones involves making tough but firm decisions and just hanging on to Gods word over our lives.
sometimes it may appear confusing,feel lonely,or everything may go pear shaped but as the scriptures say trust in the lord with all your heart and he will direct your path……
take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the day
Ayo, I am great and you? Yes tough but firm decisions then add God to it, you get a winning result.
I absolutely love your blog,its inspiring and very educative,i stumbled upon it and havent looked back,really really lovely.God bless u and urs.x
Yeni, I am glad it inspires you. Thank you for the feedback
Hmmmm……Buky, the Lord ALWAYS just blesses you with timely words!!! Thank you for the heads up and a kick in the behind for some of us….Lol, may the Lord continue to give you the grace to shine light on the simple things that make great changes in people's lives!!! Stay blessed dear
Ayodele, How are things on your side, i am missing my friend on fb pls pass on the link and share with others. I needed the kick too and am leaving some of my comfort zones behind this year.
Oh Buky, you are a blessing dear. I love your post and this one has come in time. This is really from the Heart of God to me. ….Oh Glory be to God! I will surely possess my wealthy place this year!
Stay blessed, may God continue revealing great things to your heart.
Yank, Welcome to Bukville and thanks for signing up for subscription too. Yes, you will possess your wealthy place this year in Jesus name, Amen.
Hitting the nail on the head AGAIN!! God bless you!!
Hello Adri, i trust you are having a fab week, stay blessed lady!
I have truly been blessed by this. God bless you Aunty Bukville! xoxo
Oh,this never could make more sense than to a woman who has packed bags time and time again.i hear you!thing with God is he hardly just takes u from point A to point B.u camp along the way as he makes arangements where u going.dont get 2 comfortable in transit despite provision,favor n blessing there
i love you Buky, thanks. You always have the right words for the right moment.
@ – Temiville – Thanks and wishing more blessings on your birthday!
@ – Cyruswoman – Well said lady "dont get 2 comfortable in transit despite provision". Preach it sister!
@ – Tomi – Thanks and wishing you God's speed for March, you'll understand.
I love you sister.
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