“Opportunities are often things that you haven’t noticed the first time around.” -Catherine Deneuve

Opportunity. Whether or not we realize it, opportunities surround us every day. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes. There are opportunities we create and opportunities that fall into our laps. The ones that we choose to take (or not take), not only define us but shape our existence. Sometimes we completely miss an opportunity. It either slips right through our fingers, or we actively choose not to take it. Why does this happen? How does it happen?

Opportunity comes down to one thing: being present. When we don’t see something as an opportunity, it’s because we are not present and open to possibility. When you’re present, you’re able to see what opportunities are standing right in front of you. Being truly present in our lives will bring things into focus that are full of exploration and wonder. The most amazing thing is that these things are always there. It exists alongside us every moment of the day. It is up to us to be aware of this layer of life so that we can take full advantage of it.

Going back to Catherine Deneuve’s statement, what happens when we miss these opportunities the first time around? Is it just because we are not being present? Sometimes it’s simply because we are not ready for the opportunity, we don’t want to acknowledge it there waiting for us. In these situations, it’s about trusting something bigger than ourselves and knowing that there is a world beyond our comfort zones.

In every situation in life, there is a recurring opportunity: play it safe, or escape the comfort zone. While it is our first instinct to stay where we feel safe, it’s up to us to be committed to accepting the new and the uncomfortable. When we are willing- willing to be present, willing to be uncomfortable, willing to change- we will see there are opportunities all around.

With that being said, are you willing to venture out and see what’s on the other side of your comfort zone? That’s where some incredible opportunities are waiting for you.