Greener grass

I spoke with a friend today after not speaking for a few months. He's been worrying away at a problem, an opportunity, that presented itself in the last few weeks and wanted my perspective. He knows I'll not tell him "what I would do" because I'm not him or in his situation, but considering our relationship he expected candour and knew he'd get some sense out of me; I gave him both.

There's a saying, the grass may not be greener on the other side of the hill, which means that changing one's existing situation for a new one may not always work out for the best. It could also suggest that one should be content with one's situation I guess, although I prefer the former interpretation. I agree with it generally, however I find the phrase somewhat lacking.

I believe it should say something like, the grass may not always be greener on the other side of the hill, however you won't know unless you go and find out.

Everything in our lives is an opportunity, even bad or challenging things. In my opinion, it's the challenges which are a greater opportunities. If we can see the opportunity in those difficulties, put thoughts, attitudes and actions together to chase it down, then we're more likely to turn it to our advantage...but that brings the risk of failure, poor or undesirable results and possibly more challenges, so many don't try.

Staying in place is safe. Doing hard things, making a concerted effort, getting out of our comfort zones and breaking new ground often makes us uncomfortable, feel awkward, emotionally vulnerable and so on - That's why people stay in place, for the comfort of it - but at what cost comes this comfort?

I've done some very uncomfortable things in life, as have others, and been in situations that made me feel fear and apprehension, inadequate and out of place, some even made me want to duck for cover and never pop my head back up again; the thing is, I chose those situations knowing if I did not I may not move myself forward. I'd made the decision to see if the grass was greener over there, wherever there happened to be - a physical or emotional place.

Looking back on those occasions, I can see that my progress and success, such that it is, and my life in general, has been more fulfilled, enjoyable and complete because I stepped away from my comfort zone and went to places, physically and emotionally, that challenged me.

My friend and I spoke about this, and many other things. He came to me for my experience, some of which he has experienced alongside me, and to tell me his thoughts. The grass may not be greener phrase came up and, considering the situation he is faced with, I agree. The personal and professional gain that [potentially] exists is solid, but should things not work out to plan [which is often how things go] he'll be a little exposed and unable to revert to the previous reality.

I didn't tell him this but, if it was me I'd follow the opportunity and own the decision, good or bad, make the best of either case, but I'm not sure yet as to what he will do.

Have you ever been in a situation in which you had a decision or choice to make that could be very positive in one aspect but potentially damaging if it didn't go to plan? I'd be surprised if everyone hadn't found themselves in this situation at least once in life.

Feel free to tell me about it in the comments, the situation [if you can share it], what you did and how things turned out for the better or worse.