Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

I hope you all are ready for another ramble-filled posts. I have lots of thoughts and I just want to get them out. This time, it’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone.

I do love curling up in my comfort zone. It’s safe and cozy, and filled with snacks. Back in school, the holidays were spent either holed up inside doing cross stitches and bingeing tv shows, or hanging with family. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with doing that, but after a while, I got too comfortable in my little zone, and just didn’t ever want to leave.

Applying for a job was one of the first steps out. The first ever interview I got, I was shaking the whole time and blanked on what to do when the guy offered his hand out. It was for a handshake but I just stared and made everything awkward. I didn’t get that job. Eventually, I was able to land a job, and that first day was terrifying. I knocked over the bucket of water I was using to mop and nearly burst into tears. I just wanted to give up and go home. But I sucked it up, cleaned up the mess, and finished the shift. I worked part time there for another two years. Eventually, the job became second nature to me.

I began stepping out of my comfort zone more often in university. The first big thing I remember doing is approaching someone and making conversation. Seriously. That was huge for me, I am often very quiet and wait for people to approach me. I recognized someone on the bus who was also in the orientation for the music class. So I said Hi, and we began talking. She then introduced me later to two girls who became my closest friends during my time studying music at uni.

I really went out of my comfort zone when I went to the other side of the world. Sarah was talking about going to visit Peru later that year. She then asked if I wanted to come along. I went back and forth for the longest time, I eventually said yes. If travelling to the other side of the world for a month isn’t stepping out of your comfort zone, then what is? There were a few days where I felt overwhelmed and homesick, but that would be replaced by thrill and wonder by being somewhere new and seeing something amazing.

Stepping out can also be something small. Saying yes to a party. Meeting new people. Talking, getting to know them, making connections. It might not lead to a friendship, but it’s nice to have those fleeting moments of comraderie. For someone who used to hate small talk, I’m alright with it now. Not great, but I’m better. It can also include getting a little more personal and sharing more about yourself on your blog.

Most recently, I stepped out of my comfort zone when I decided to do my boudoir shoot. I am pretty comfortable with my body and my looks, but having pictures taken by someone I don’t really know (and risque ones at that ), was something I hadn’t really done before. The idea had been in my head for a while, but it sounded scary. I had it in the back of my head that I would be judged for doing something like this. Wearing lingerie and having your photos taken seemed a bit silly. But it was just a lot of fun, and very empowering. I got dolled up, and was pretty much told what to do, and how to pose. It took all the guesswork out, and as time went on, I got pretty into it. The payoff was an amazing experience, and some incredible photos of me feeling and looking my best!

So what’s the point of this post? I’m not really sure. I was just reflecting on my boudoir experience, and how a few years ago, I wouldn’t have even thought about doing it as it was too far out of my comfort zone. Each year, we grow and change, and sometimes it’s nice to reflect on the person you’ve become. I do feel more confident with myself, and the boundaries of my comfort zone have definitely been pushed.

When’s the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

Angela.

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