Straight Talk Saturday: When Cozy Becomes a Cage

I saw a quote the other day on social media that stopped me mid-scroll:

“Your comfort zone may be cozy, but opportunity awaits outside of it.”

And listen—my first thought was, rude but fair. Because if there’s anyone who loves a good comfort zone, it’s me.
I’m talking weighted blankets, white noise machines, people I trust, and the peace of knowing exactly what to expect. I don’t just tolerate cozy—I curate it.

But here’s the thing: while comfort may be good for the soul, it’s not where growth or magic happens.
It’s not where your leadership expands.
It’s not where you stretch into new capacity.
And it’s definitely not where your calling lives long-term.

The Comfort Zone is Cozy—But It’s Not Your Calling

Let’s not pretend:
Stability can be soothing.
Legacy companies have perks.
Sometimes it feels good to tuck into the known and exhale.

But cozy can become a cage if you stay there too long.

And lately, I’ve noticed a subtle tone from some corners of the internet—almost like choosing to build again, to start something new, is foolish. Or immature. Or worse… sparkly and unserious.

But here’s what I know:

Some people are attracted to the sparkle of something new because they still have vision.
They’re not running on fumes—they’re running on purpose.
They’re not confused—they’re compelled.

They’re not chasing a trend.
They’re answering a call.

It’s Not About Old vs. New—It’s About Alignment

This isn’t a legacy vs. startup debate.
It’s not “we’re brave” and “they’re boring.”
It’s: Are you where your energy belongs right now?

For some, legacy feels like peace.
For others, building from scratch is the peace—because it means they’re creating something that feels aligned, fresh, and theirs.

Leadership looks different depending on the season you’re in.
And that’s okay.

But let’s not confuse predictability with wisdom, or sparkle with immaturity.
Some of us simply have a higher tolerance for unknowns—because we’ve learned how to build with both feet on the ground and stars in our eyes.

For the Builders—Keep Going

If you’ve felt a little out of place lately…
If you’re side-eyeing the shade being thrown at new beginnings…
If you’re quietly wondering if your excitement is too much for people who’ve chosen comfort—

Let me be clear: you’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just doing it your way.

You were made to lead in uncharted places.
To see what doesn’t exist yet and still move forward with vision and grit.
To show others that comfort isn’t the only option—that courage can look like stepping into a whole new chapter.

Bottom Line?

Choose your choice.
Lead your way.
Walk the path that fits your capacity, values, and vision.
But let’s remember this:
You don’t have to bash someone else’s choice to feel confident in your own.
There’s enough room for us all to win.

Some find their peace in legacy.
Others find it in lighting the spark of something new.
Both are valid.
Both are brave.
Both require belief.

Journal Prompts

Where am I choosing comfort when I’m being called to create?
What stories am I telling myself about what others think of my choices?
What does aligned discomfort feel like in my body? How can I honor that?

Scripture to Anchor You

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:19

Keep building.
Keep dreaming.
Keep showing up, even if it’s messy and not everyone understands.
Because some of us were never meant to stay cozy—we were made to shine in places no one’s built before.