I can think of lots of ways where the above quote is applicable in my life - even now! I am constantly looking for new challenges, new adventures and ways to expand my horizon. At the same time, I often hesitate - or procrastinate - when I know I am out of my "comfort zone". I will discuss/share four areas of my life which truly have taken me out of my comfort zone and continue do so.
Each time I accept a new fitness challenge, I am stepping out of my comfort zone! In fact, almost any time I have to push myself to exercise! This is why I decided to accept a fitness challenge by Dotti, our web mistress at DWLZ (Dottie's Weight Loss Zone). Her challenge is to exercise at least 30 minutes every other day. I signed up without hesitation as I know that I am often more successful when I join a challenge than when I challenge myself. I am also challenging myself to go beyond the distance so to speak - passing the two mile mark, both on foot and with walk-at-home tapes. My next challenge will be to start using the elliptical as it's something I've not had the courage to pursue as when I tried in the past, I could only do it for five minutes at a time. I'm going to try again - and keep at it this time! It seems to be so beneficial for those who have joint problems. Just one more way to step out of my "comfort zone" - and become healthier!
Another area in my life where I've stepped WAY out of my comfort zone is in the volunteer work I've chosen to do at a local nursing home. I can say without a doubt that I HATE Alzheimer's! I saw what it did to my Mom before she passed away in the Fall of 2012. It changed her to a point where I hardly recognized her any more - she became a shadow of herself. So for me to volunteer to work with Alzhiemer's patients in a nursing home as a volunteer is a HUGE leap! What is keeping me going is I'm doing it in memory of my mother. I admit it is challenging - and it is very much out of my comfort zone, but I do feel I am making a difference in the lives of the patients. If I can just make one person smile once during my visit at the home, I feel I have accomplished something.
Living in a new area means finding ways to meet people. For an introvert such as I am, that is truly a challenge! I have joined church groups, a Red Hat group and called people I've met in the area. I can say that though I'm usually comfortable in small groups, I am outside of my "comfort zone"when in large groups - such as the Red Hat group (about 20).
Finally, becoming more involved in my children and grandchildren's lives, and not focusing on my own needs and wants as much is at times a challenge. This has to do with the new lifestyle we've taken on - living with our children and grandchildren on the same property. We can choose to "hibernate" within our own home on the property, or we can share more of our time with the rest of the family. At times, I feel I need to challenge myself more to spend more time with the kids.
I realize that each time I step out of my comfort zone, I am experiencing personal growth. In fact, the bigger the challenges, the bigger the opportunities for growth! What I need to remember is if I don't accept new challenges in my life, I will reman stagnant, my health will not improve, and my life will be lackluster. Another way of saying this is in this motivational quote:
