“If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.”

I first heard this expression when I was a kid. An adult told me this, in an attempt to limit my reach; to keep me boxed in to a small, safe world.  It was an attempt to discourage me from trying something new and taking reasonable risks. It felt like they were telling me, “Who do you think you are? You can’t do that!”

This expression has many meanings and some of them are good and helpful. In my case, however, it was meant to install boundaries and place limits on my vision of what I could accomplish.

Fortunately, I didn’t listen and today, I’m the type of person who enjoys going places I’ve never been. I love trying new things and interacting with people with whom I have nothing in common.

Last weekend while in Kansas City, I agreed to go Sunday service with a friend.  I didn’t ask what kind of church it was. I simply, said, “Yes.”

It turned out to be a mega church that has seven services per day. I think I might have been the only black person in that huge sanctuary.

Regardless of that fact, it was one of the most beautiful and moving sermons I’d heard in a while. The pastor shared his ideas about how we all could benefit from slowing down and finding ways to rest in this fast paced world. The pastor reminded us that rest is so important that it’s one of the 10 commandments: to keep the Sabbath day holy.

If I had “stayed on the porch”, instead of venturing out to a new place with my friend, I would’ve missed out on this truly reviving message.

It’s a new year and that presents many of us with an optimistic spirit. It’s a time of renewed possibilities; a chance to try something new. This post is a simple reminder to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone.  Don’t be afraid to run with the big dogs or whoever else is moving in the direction you want to go. Create relationships that will help you evolve into the person you want to be.

Run, leap, jog, swim, jump with the big dogs…whatever it is – just do it!

Have you ever felt limited or intimidated by places you’ve never been or people you’ve never interacted with before?  What could you do to remind yourself to get off the porch?

Illustration of Laurie Johnson by Francisco E. Cervantes from my first book, Rich by Choice, Poor by Habit.