So there I was, driving down Highway 93, on my way to Idaho Springs, and Garrison Keillor was on the radio, speaking about the Rectangular Life. In perfect Garrison Keillor fashion, he was chuckling about his shennanigans as a teenager, and how he didn’t want to be boxed in. What ensued was a delightful story of all his wanderings outside of rectangular boundaries, with an ending plea to parents to give their children a little leeway outside of the  Rectangular Life that is often regarded with misplaced reverence.

This got me to thinking more about the idea of a Rectangular Life. A life where everything is bounded, controlled, and, yes, boxed in. Where the ideas of spontaneity and curves aren’t the rule, but the exception to the rule. We have an opportunity with this life we have been given to break out of the boundaries that others have set for us – and that we have, wittingly or no, set for ourselves. To challenge ourselves to step into Unknown Territory and risk the certain joyful confusion that comes with such courageous action. It starts with a willingness to notice and acknowledging our comfort zones – the places where we seek refuge and feel safe. With this knowing, then asking ourselves whether we are using those comfort zones for true safety and self-expression, or rather to avoid our fear of uncertainty.

The grand paradox is that we must step into those unknown places, where there is no clear road map and the outcome is never definite, in order to grow into and embrace new experiences. It’s much like Garrison Keillor spoke in his story – that we need to “get out of the box” in order to learn more about who we are in the world. And so, my inner-teen is duly inspired by the invitation to step out of the Rectangular Life and to see what gifts are awaiting me on the other side of the fence.