Your Fairytale vs. Your Meat Blob

Hello and welcome back!

This week, I’ve been ruminating (and yes, it feels just as serious as that word sounds) on the nature of our hearts, minds, and souls. Humans are naturally hardwired to want more. To dream bigger. To always be chasing that next shiny goal.

I believe this is because we were created in God’s image and created to worship Him. That’s why you never feel completely satisfied when you finally achieve your dream, buy the thing you’ve been saving for, or reach the milestone you thought would change everything.

We are designed to want the greatest thing in existence… God Himself. And everything falls short in comparison.

The Goal-Setting Conundrum

Here’s the tension:

• On one hand - it’s perfectly fine (and even good) to have career, lifestyle, or financial goals.

• On the other hand - if you try to make those goals fill the place of God in your heart, they’ll never truly satisfy you.

This desire for greatness - for something epic - is hardwired into us. That’s why humans have always told stories about heroes, quests, and fairytales. From ancient legends to Marvel blockbusters, we’re captivated by tales of courage, sacrifice, and victory against impossible odds.

Deep down, we all want to do something extraordinary, to experience wonder, and to play the starring role in our own life’s epic story.

The Meat Blob Problem

But then… there’s that squishy, gray blob inside your skull.

Yes, your brain.

God bless it, but your brain has one main mission: keep you safe. It’s constantly scanning for danger, risk, or even mild inconvenience, and it will do its best to wrap you in a warm blanket of comfort and habit.

Here’s the catch: the only way to achieve greatness or experience something wonderful usually involves risk. Putting yourself out there. Trying something that might not work.

And your brain? Not a fan. It would rather you stay on the couch with snacks and a predictable Netflix queue than face anything that might involve uncertainty.

The irony? The very things that make life truly meaningful are almost always on the other side of fear and discomfort.

A Real-Life Example

Let’s say you’ve set a goal to be more generous. You’re driving, and you see someone on the side of the road holding a sign asking for help. Your heart says, “Help them.”

But your brain quickly launches into its greatest hits:

• “You don’t know what they’ll use the money for.”

• “What if it’s a scam?”

• “What if they try to rob you when you roll down the window?”

• “Also, did you notice the light just turned green? We have places to be.”

And just like that - you’ve talked yourself out of it. Not because you’re unkind, but because your brain is simply running its “keep us safe” script.

The problem? Safety mode might keep you alive, but it can also keep you from fully living.

Baby Steps to Glory

The trick is to override that default safety mode. You don’t have to take giant leaps into danger like an action movie star - but you can start with baby steps.

• Identify what makes you uncomfortable.

• Move toward it instead of away from it.

• Challenge yourself to grow, even in small, manageable ways.

Each time you do, you score a win over your brain’s need for comfort - and you step closer to the epic story you’re meant to live.

You can practice this in everyday situations:

• Strike up a conversation with the new person at church.

• Sign up for the volunteer opportunity you’re nervous about.

• Share your work online, even if it’s not “perfect.”

Small victories train your brain to see that discomfort doesn’t equal danger - it equals growth.

The Other Brain Trap: Negative Self-Talk

Of course, your brain has another sneaky tactic: talking down to you.

It might whisper:

• “You’re just one person - what difference can you make?”

• “There are plenty of other people who can do that. Someone else will step up.”

• “You’re not ready yet. Maybe later.”

Sound familiar?

The danger of this mental loop is that it slowly convinces you to sit out your own story. You end up being an extra in a life you were meant to star in.

This is where you have to get fierce: remind yourself, This is YOUR story. Your fairytale. Your epic quest.

Your brain won’t hand you permission to go after it - your heart and soul have to lead. Fight that instinct to shrink back. Reject the voice that says you’re not enough.

The Truth About You

Here’s the truth:

• YOU are here.

• YOU are unique.

• YOU were created for a special purpose by the Divine Creator of the universe.

That means only you can do what you can do. No one else can take your place in this story. You might not feel ready. You might feel wildly underqualified. But remember - most heroes don’t start their story ready. They grow into it.

Your purpose isn’t waiting for the “perfect” version of you. It’s waiting for the willing version of you.

Your Call to Adventure

So, face down your meat blob. Fight your fears. Override that negative self-talk.

Move toward your fairytale. Step into your epic story.

Achieve those big goals. Make the difference only you can make.

And when your brain tries to lure you back into “safe mode,” remind it that every epic tale worth telling involves a little risk, a little discomfort, and a whole lot of faith.

Now go - adventure is waiting. And yes, it might also have coffee.