The joy of expanding your comfort zone.
When was the last time you did something -anything- for the first time?
Come on, admit it: we're creatures of habit. Whether it's the same lunch we grab on the run, the same types of people we go out with, or the same film genres we watch, we fall into patterns. And it's understandable - it's familiar, easy, and means one less decision in our already-busy day.
But we all know how today's comfort zone can morph into tomorrow's rut. Which is why (re)launching this blog feels exciting, fresh....and a little scary.
A Savvy Girl gets out of her comfort zone now and then (or a little every day) and revels in the feeling that she's learned or done something for the first time...or the first time in a long time.
All you need first is to nominate one area of your life where you'd like to ease in a little change.
Start small. Maybe you’ll set the alarm a little earlier than usual, to make lunch, walk around the block...or just contemplate the day ahead, rather than getting up at the last minute. (This, from a woman who would lie in bed, calculating I could roll over for six minutes more slumber, if I ditched the blow-dry for a pony-tail.)
Open yourself up to a new experience: say, once a week for a month, or once a month for a year. Here's a start:
- Tackle a new recipe, but release yourself from the outcome. If it doesn't work, pizza is a phone call away (a cereal box, even closer).
- Dare yourself to read a chapter or blog on a topic that would ordinarily intimidate you or make you fall asleep: vow to find something useful, entertaining or surprising about this new field. Check out the range of online universities for topics ranging from astrology to the art of Zen.
- Have you been putting off a passion-project? Maybe you have a draft novel gathering dust in a drawer, or you want to tackle a new language. Take that first step to getting back on track.
- Perhaps you’ve always wanted to live alone, but you seem to find a dozen reasons not to take the leap.
- Go on a swearing diet...slowly cutting down on cuss words, if you use them.
Change can be a little unnerving, even if it's welcome. But the payoff is wonderful. You will open portals in your mind and heart, and whether or not you adopt your new experience for the longer term, you will feel a new side to yourself emerging and evolving.
Is there something you’ve been wanting to do, but have been resisting?
Hi Alicia,
Congrats on your lovely site. I look forward to reading your posts. I hope all is well.
Best, Rebecca
Rebecca, hi! Lovely to hear from you and thanks for the support. It’s a learning curve to be sure, but I feel fortunate to be able to do something I love. Please swing by any time. And here’s to a joyful 2013. – Alicia
I will always remember meeting dear Alicia and Jon last summer at a marvelous hiking camp in Vermont when I think of trying out new things. What a gift of friendship and what joy I experienced! Not to mention shedding a few pounds and learning some new tricks towards living a healthier lifestyle. I am so much happier as a result. So glad I went. Thank you Alicia for your humor your kindness and for coming into my life at such a crucial time. I await the birth if my first granddaughter with renewed vigor and hope for the future.
Blessings!
Oh Louisa, thank you. Your kind words really touched my heart, just as your warmth did last summer.
You really took on those hills—and conquered them with energy to spare! I remember that first advanced hike—and your jubilation at the finish.
When you get out of your comfort zone, you embrace it!
Only days now til the baby arrives, I’m delighted for you.
– Alicia
Nice job Alicia. Your blog is amazing, a great first. Congrats!
Thanks, Francie! I really appreciate your support. Talk about a learning curve with the site…but a lot of fun at the same time. Cheers, Alicia.
Hi Alicia, what a refreshing post! It sort of like a New Year’s Resolution in July, which is great because New Year’s seems eons ago! For me I think I will try the going for a walk around the block, I need to get moving! Hope to let you know how that’s going in the future! Best wishes Charmaine
Thanks for stopping by, Charmaine! I know what you mean, New Year’s seems a while ago now, so a little mid-year tune-up could be the way to go – and I include myself in that. Good on you for getting out in the neighborhood – I challenge you to do it two or three times this week! 🙂 Cheers, Alicia