Unfamiliar

Have you heard it said, that that which is unfamiliar, is unsafe?

According to our nervous system and how we respond to things, this is very much true. I’ve been learning that subconsciously, if something is ‘different’ or new to us, it can pose a threat, so we tend to keep doing the same things in our life, as it is familiar and therefore, safe. People will (albeit subconsciously), choose a ‘familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven.’ Why make changes if it can result in danger? If you make changes in your life, how do you know you’ll be successful anyway? And this is how many people tend to live the same way year after year. I am guilty myself. There’s been many ideas, many thoughts about things I could do or might like to do, but it can be uncomfortable to do the work, to approach people, to make a change in routine.

Recently, with my new website (which will be, dare I say, out this week?!) and webshop (coming shortly after!), I have caught myself a few times, resisting. And now I can recognize it for what it is. It’s pure resistance to an impending change. To growth.

Here’s how it has happened. I’ve had a quote for the printing of cards for a few months. At the time, the printer had suggested quoting 500 cards, of 5 different images, so 100 prints of each. Just two weeks ago, I realized I had picked out 6 images to list on my webshop as cards for sale. ‘Oh no!’ I thought, then my mind goes into thoughts of ‘shoot, now what? I had planned on an upfront cost of ‘x’ and now I have to add more to the order or ask for less of each? Will they do that? Ahh, this is stressful.’ Wait, this is resistance. No big deal.

I have to order the packaging envelopes and plastic sleeves, which seems ‘overwhelming,’ as I’m needing to find the right sizes and the right quantities. Resistance. The Printer said the image quality works for cards but would suggest they be photographed better (making the lighting even) if I am enlarging them into prints. I want to do it right, so I reached out to the contact who can do this for me, after some fear about this being an extra ‘step’ and added time. Resistance. What if it takes 12 years to sell 600 cards? Resistance (but also, if it does take 12 years, then that’s how long it takes).

There is such a thing as resisting something just because you don’t 100% know what is on the other side of it… success? Maybe? But you don’t even really know what that success looks like, or feels like. I was watching Regan Hillyer speak about this as well, that our bodies – and subconscious minds resist as a way of reminding us to stay safe, don’t put yourself in danger – aka, don’t put yourself out there – you are familiar and comfortable with where you are currently.

I can tell what’s going on now. In the past, it would have made me doubt and make reasons to myself of why I shouldn’t proceed. Now, I know it’s resistance to that which is unfamiliar. Yes, it’s work and yes, it does make me doubt – of course. I know that anything meaningful is just in the other side of that resistance. Anything worth doing is on the other side of resistance.

Sending Love,

Devon