Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Where it all Begins...

I heard a quote recently that I absolutely love....

"Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone".

It's perfect!  It's so right!  It's something I discovered years ago and feel even stronger about today.

I realized in my 20's that I was afraid of some things I'd never tried and that bothered me.  Some of those things were seemingly simple....things many people did on a regular basis.  So, I set out to push through my comfort zone to experience them.  In the beginning, it was things like going to a water slide and riding on an airplane.  I quickly did both and was thrilled with my accomplishments and the experiences.  I kept at it with things like learning to wind surf.  It was fun!  And, I went to college and found out that, not only could I be a great student but going to school was fun!  Later, I decided to try rock climbing.  I got something really great from that...I met the love of my life!  A few years later, I was in the hospital about to give birth to my daughter.  Filled with fear and tears in my eyes I told the doctor, "I'm scared!!! I don't want to do this!".  I was terrified!  I love his response...."it's a little late for that!"  lol  Giving birth was so far beyond my comfort zone but it turned out to be the beginning of one of the best things in my life...my amazing daughter! 

I've continued with this mission...sometimes more than others.  Sometimes, it's little things.
Like, one time I went to meet up with a group of hand spinners that I didn't know well.  I drove all the way there, got out of the car, walked up to the door, saw them inside, and fear enveloped me so much that I headed back to the car to leave.  I had to muster a lot of strength to get my spinning wheel and go inside where all those strangers were.  So scary!  But, it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Even though I've pushed through that fear...it's still sometimes scary to meet up with people that I don't know or know well.  But, I think that each experience helps me find my bravery much quicker.

Other things I push myself through are much bigger.  Like, the canyoneering experiences I've had over the past couple of years.  It looked like so much fun and the places I could go by doing it gave me the incentive to push through.  I sometimes had to stop and let the tears out and express my fear in words....then, pull it together and move ahead...one step at a time, one long rappel at a time.  The pay off?  Where do I begin?  Not only was the scenery amazing and the experience fun but those experiences have changed me as a person in HUGE ways!  I feel like a different, stronger, more capable person in almost every way and every day of my life.  I feel like I can do just about anything after pushing through that!  In fact, I often find myself in a challenging situation and think to myself that "if I can rappel off a 100' cliff, I can do this"!

I try to push my comfort zone limit just a little each day...sometimes a lot.  I know the pay off can be big, life changing and sometimes it can be incredibly fun too.  My life is bigger, better, richer, more fun and so much more amazing because of all the times I've visited the edge of my comfort zone.
It truly does seem like that's where the good life begins!

What about you?  How do you feel about visiting the edge of your comfort zone?  Do you try to do it from time to time?  Or do you try to stay as far away as possible?

9 comments:

Sel and Poivre said...

'Couldn't agree more! I live at the edge - there is nothing better than feeling engaged and challenged!

Rubye Jack said...

Such an interesting question.
I admire the way you are able to face your fears and move on to the experience. A doctor once told me that some people just jump right in but I'm the person who has to feel the water first, maybe put a toe in, and then every so slowly move in--if I do at all. For me, it truly depends on what it is about. I was afraid to return to school as an adult, all the young kids and being too dumb, but I did and I loved it. Things like swimming, I will never do. I've accepted who I am with regard to my fears and feel no need to push pass certain ones. Perhaps I miss out on a lot, but I'm alright with that.

Art and Sand said...

I would never have imagined that you had any fears after reading about all of your canyoneering and cycling adventures.

I try to do something new each month now that I am retired. I am loving being at home after years of teaching - late hours and then home to grade papers. But, I am branching out. This week I am volunteering at Craftcation in exchange for attending classes for free. I was a bit intimidated yesterday when I arrived because I was the only volunteer and the girls were all around my daughter's age. I had a ball learning how to make huge tissue paper flowers to use for the decorations. Who knows what I will do today when I get there.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

What a wonderful post. Very thought provoking. I don't think I push past my comfort zone nearly enough.

thewovenspoke said...

I used to live on the edge more than I do now. I used to hike all over the edges of the Grand Canyon or just into the mountians of Colorado for photos and fun, but after breaking an ankle falling 6" I have become more careful. I still like a good challenge though.

Michelle said...

Challenges and goals are what makes for an interesting life.

Delighted Hands said...

Yes, challenges work wonders on our spirits.....thank you for saying it so well in this post!

Cindie said...

Second try - jumped off line when I thought I had this posted -

I so admire you for pushing beyond the edge of your comfort zone. I push myself all the time outside of my comfort zone, in many ways, but you won't find me hanging off the side of rocks or dropping off into canyons - that doesn't even register beyond my comfort zone. I love reading how you push through it on your blog - such an inspiration.

roxie said...

I, on the other hand, am reveling in my comfort zone, wallowing delightedly and happily ignoring anything that might be a challenge. I so admire your physical courage and stamina. And yet, I feel no inclination what-so-ever to emulate you. Isn't it wonderful that there are so Many right answers?