Comfort Zone

I enjoy my comfort zone.

In other words - I REALLY enjoy my comfort zone.

An idyllic life, in my opinion, would include a friendly little cottage surrounded by a picket fence and an abundance of furry cats who enjoy lounging lovingly with me in my little rocker with a view that overlooks a picturesque nature setting. Throw in successful children, a happy husband who tends to my every whim, an endless supply of Crazy Bread and my life would be sheer perfection!

Seriously - is that too much to ask?!

So, lately, I've been trying to break out of my very comfortable zone and it's HARD. I found this definition in Wikipedia.

A comfort zone denotes that limited set of behaviors that a person will engage without becoming anxious. Alternatively denoted as a "plateau" it describes that set of behaviors that have become comfortable, without creating a sense of risk. A person's personality can be described by his or her comfort zones.

Highly successful persons may routinely step outside their comfort zones, to accomplish what they wish.

To step outside a person's comfort zone, he must experiment with new and different behaviors, and then experience the new and different responses that then occur within his environment.

I am such a creature of habit. It's hard for me to try new things. I order the same foods at the same restaurants. I travel the same roads to the same places. I shop at the same stores. Same clothes. Same haircut. Same old. Same old!

For the first time in about 16 years I want to try new things! Yoga, real estate, jogging, writing, community involvement, photography. Dare I say the scary ones? Marathons, foreign travel, getting the elusive degree, building my dream home, backpacking for an entire summer?

My dilemma is actually DOING these things. I can 'want' until the cows come home - but 'doing' is a different story. I realize that trying new things is a fear of mine. A big fear. Yet, it seems my curiosity to try new things is taking the lead and is forging uncharted territories.

I'm inspired by people who have an idea and run with it. I enjoy watching people who are afraid of something and do it anyway. I love watching success.

It's easy to refer to our dreams in the future tense as "some day". I want to live them now.

Scary!

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Comfort Zone
Anonymous

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.
The same four walls and busywork where really more like jail.
I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.
I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone,
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,
I kissed my comfort zone good-bye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in comfort zone, afraid to venture out,
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.
Reach for your future with a smile; Success is there for you!