“Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” — James Bryant Conant

Thoughts on Today’s Quote

Ever seen a turtle when it is in protective mode? It pulls its head and legs inside it’s protective shell. And, there it lies, safe from a predator trying to get at it, but unable to move an inch in either direction.

How often do we do that in our own lives? Pulling into a safe place trying to avoid hurt, pain or the possibility of failing at a task.

When you do that, do you find yourself making any progress?

Do you move forward? Do you move at all?

If you are like me, you don’t move anywhere. You don’t progress even a tiny bit when you’re tucked all warm and cozy in your shell. Oh, it feels so nice, like that warm cozy feeling of being under the covers in a cold house on a winter morning.

Recently I spent a night in my house without heat or lights when it was subzero temperatures outside. My house got down to freezing. I had my clothes on and several fleece blankets piled on me. My body heat created a nice warm cozy space for me to sleep in as long as I kept myself completely under the covers. Then, my bladder demanded it be emptied. That meant venturing out into that cold to accomplish that necessity.

If you want to move forward, even in a small way in life, you have to take that cover off and venture into the cold.

Here’s the upside though. The more you stick that head out and keep moving forward, the warmer your space becomes. The more you move forward, the more confidence you develop and the greater the increase in your personal confidence.

Don’t be the turtle in the shell, be the turtle with the head stuck out making progress.

About Coffee Time Meditation

I love being inspired by other people’s quotes. I thought I’d start sharing some quotes that inspire me along with my own thoughts the quote evokes within me. So, think of someone, like me, sitting quietly with the first fresh coffee of the day and mediating about the words of the quote. That would be me, or it could be you.

I invite you to share your own thoughts on the quote in the comments.

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Have a great day
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