The Comfort Zone

I've gone out of my comfort zone many times, either by choice, or by force, and most of the time, the results haven't destroyed me. After all, some things are worth taking a risk for, don't you think? We only live once, and all that jazz.

I am not the biggest risk taker, and I would never willingly jump out of a plane. However, I love roller coasters and the awesome feeling that comes with being on rides at amusment parks. I love the thrill.

I like to ski, as long as I know the hill I'm on. But as soon as I'm on an unfamiliar hill, I freeze, and fear takes over. Like the time I was on a double black diamond hill and didn't even know until my friend told me and I decided to sit and shuffle my way down? Yeah, I was totally out of my comfort zone, and I hated it. But looking back, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I survived. And now, I have a story to tell.

I went snow tubing once, which was most definitely out of my comfort zone, and the time I went white water rafting? I didn't even know I was going to get wet. Level 4 rapids? You're going to get wet. Very, very wet. Was I out of my comfort zone? Absolutely. Was I scared? Of course. Did I have the best time ever? Without a doubt.

I still worry about the end of the world, which is totally probably going to happen in a few months, you know. The idea of the world ending scares me, but some things are just out of my control. Like every time I step on a plane? That's a fear I have that doesn't go away, no matter how many times I fly. That's me forcing myself out of my comfort zone, but I do it, time and time and time again. Being in my comfort zone goes hand in hand with the feeling of being in control, and when I'm on a plane, I've got no control over anything, except what to drink.

Realistically, though? When I step outside my comfort zone, I find I'm stronger and braver than I thought I'd be. I've had to face my fears many times before, and I've always made it through okay. I went to California and moved to D.C. when I was in my early twenties, both times for internships at big television stations. I was out of my comfort zone, but it was so worthwhile.

I stepped outside my comfort zone in a big way when I become a mom, by choice, and by force. My world was turned upside down and my heart exploded with a love so fierce I never dreamed possible.

Every day, as a mom, I learn something new, I take risks, I make mistakes, and I try to do the best job I can. Motherhood has taken me out of my comfort zone, sure, but it's now a familiar world to me, the only world I know, and a world I love more than anything. Life is a great adventure, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone makes me feel alive.

The more I push myself, the more I learn, the more experiences I'll take with me, and the more stories I'll have to share.

Life is worth living, risks are worth taking, and getting out of our comfort zone? It's totally, absolutely worth it.






Thanks Mama Kat for another awesome writing prompt!