"You Must Learn to Broaden Your Horizons, Day by Day"
Like most fortune cookie fortunes, this one was open to personal interpretation and introspection, but it also had me slightly on the defensive. On the surface I felt the fortune cookie was being a bit accusatory, insinuating that I am somehow closed-minded and lacking adventure. Of course I then realized that that's nuts. After all we're merely talking about a printed slip of paper, stuffed inside a non-Chinese invented, vanilla-flavored cookie, from Rosemead, California-based Panda Express. Instead I chose to see it as just good general advice to any and everyone . . . after all the cookie and fortune don't know me. Or do they? So what then am I to gleam from this most recent cookie encounter?
Well, I learned that, day by day, as we consider our horizons, we must learn to broaden them. Well said sir! You should write fortune cookie sayings. A bit wordy though, but not bad.
OK, so more specifically, while I feel quite confident in myself and the goals I set out to accomplish, many aren't as fortunate. For whatever reason, they lack the courage and faith to see more, do more, and be more. They strive only for the obvious. They attempt only that which already has safely been completed. These souls find themselves in an unending wander, stuck in the safe, but falsely (un)rewarding comfort zones of life. Quite a few are too prideful in their views to recognize that others can teach them a thing or two. They fail to recognize that while their way might be sufficient and convenient, there may be a better, more efficient approach.
We must of course keep our eye on the target and live in the now. But in order to be ever moving forward, always growing, we must be willing to expand our horizons (kind of like what the cookie says). We need to visualize what it is we need and want. And we must then have or develop the courage to take worthwhile chances.
So what keeps us from expanding our horizons? What prevents us from becoming great? What limits our willingness to even try? Fear! Fear of the unknown. Fear of being vulnerable. Fear of failure. Even fear of succeeding.
But expanding our horizons doesn't automatically result in any vulnerability we can't overcome. Fear is conquerable; always has been. And failure is only a chance to prove to ourselves that we CAN . . . even if have have to try again! Those enslaved to fear may avoid the risk of getting hurt, but more so, they eliminate the opportunity or risk that leads to success, deep personal growth, and increased strength. Sure, as with most things worth achieving, receiving, and becoming, there is a risk. But in all cases of personal advancement, the rewards far outweigh the risks. These same souls say "no" when saying "yes" is best for them.
To view the background to this blog, please view this link: https://chinesefortunecookies1.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-like-chinese-food.html
Thank You to whoever wrote this. I wish I had the time and words to tell you what this did for me. Once again.....thank you thank you thank you!!
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