The Truth About Growth (and Why It’s So Uncomfortable)

This week, I’m pulling back the curtain and inviting you into something a little more personal.

Recently, I said yes to something that nudged me far outside my comfort zone.

Let’s just say it involved stage lights, sweaty palms… and a suitcase full of summer clothes I barely own. 😅

It was exciting.
It was vulnerable.
And honestly? It was a little terrifying.

The moment I committed, my brain offered me a dozen reasons to back out: It’s too far. It’s too expensive. The timing’s not great. You don’t even own sandals that aren’t orthopedic.

But underneath all those reasons was something else: fear.

• Fear of not doing it “right.”
• Fear of being seen—and possibly judged.
• Fear of stepping into a space where I don’t feel like the expert.

And yet… I said yes.

Because somewhere inside, I knew: this was the next right thing.

Here’s what struck me as I prepared for this trip—the mental tug-of-war between safety and growth is so very real.

Our brains are wired to keep us comfortable, to avoid risk, to stay with what’s known. But growth doesn’t happen in the known. It happens just beyond it—where fear and courage meet.

That’s the stretch zone.

That’s where transformation lives.

And here’s why I’m sharing this with you: because you’ve probably had your own version of this moment.

A decision that pulled you forward and scared you senseless.

An opportunity that whispered “this matters,” even while your inner voice shouted, “Are you sure?”

If you’ve ever stood at the edge of something new, wondering whether to stay safe or leap toward something better… I want you to know, you’re not alone.

Growth asks something of us.

It asks us to be brave, even while we’re shaking. It asks us to trust that the discomfort is part of becoming. And it often asks us to do it scared.

That’s what I’m doing this week.

I’m doing it scared.

And I’m doing it for the couples I serve, for the legacy I want to leave, and for the belief I hold: that we’re all capable of becoming more than we once thought possible.

So whatever you’re facing—whatever leap is waiting—I hope this story reminds you: it’s okay to be scared. Just don’t let fear decide for you.

With love,

Carol

Dr. Carol J Henry

P.S. Want a simple way to start reconnecting now? Grab my free resource “Say This Instead”—you’ll learn simple swaps that defuse tension and build emotional connection, even when conversations are hard. Just email me back saying “FREE RESOURCE” and I’ll send you the guide to print out right away!

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