When was the last time you tried something new?
I've always been the girl who is scared of everything. My comfort zone was comfy and I had no desire to get out of it. I realized that going through the motions on the hamster wheel of life is no way to live. I loved playing it safe. I think I still do, actually.
BUT... It doesn't serve me. Living in my comfort zone doesn't allow me to experience what is truly possible. It also doesn't leave room for me to depend on God. And, it most certainly holds me back.
What started in 2010 with me driving on the interstate by myself has continued with me learning that I can do hard things. Yes. Some people are scared of snakes and serial killers, I'm the girl who was afraid to take elevators by myself and drive on the interstate. Still don't like it, by the way, but it no longer holds me back. That's the difference.
What started in 2010 with me driving on the interstate by myself has continued with me learning that I can do hard things. Yes. Some people are scared of snakes and serial killers, I'm the girl who was afraid to take elevators by myself and drive on the interstate. Still don't like it, by the way, but it no longer holds me back. That's the difference.
So conquering fears turned into this challenge to do new things. Most have bucket lists. Yeah, the things on my try something new list is probably similar to that.
You made the list because you would love to do those things. I made the list because I would never have a desire to do those things. (TRUE STORY!)
Kayaking in the ocean
Paddle boarding with the dolphins
Traveling across the country by myself
Maneuvering through the Atlanta airport by myself
Okay, I seriously doubt you have the last one on your bucket list but it was a big fear of mine that I conquered a couple years ago and I must mention it. I also didn't get lost or miss my flight. Although, even then, I would have been fine.
So, this leads me to ask you this question. When was the last time you did something for the first time? Or maybe you need to go a step further and ask yourself when you did something uncomfortable?
This year I've challenged myself to do something new every single month. And, it has been so much fun learning what I can actually do.
Not all of the things I have committed to have been hard or adventurous. Some are just about learning something new.
Here are some examples:
Learned to use the weed eater and actually trimmed around the sidewalks
Took an accounting class
Played laser tag with my kids
Did a guest interview on a podcast
Talked about my insecurities on an Instagram Live hosted by someone else
Started running on the treadmill at the gym
Five positive things that have come from me challenging myself {in case you need me to twist your arm}:
- Humility of doing something I'm not good at
- Spiritual Growth from leaning on faith and trusting God
- Confidence when I realize I am capable and can do it with courage
- Muscle memory in doing what is uncomfortable and ignoring the fear
- Resetting my rhythms to keep me out of the funk
Life is full of opportunities to LIVE. For those who may not know me well, you should know that who I am today is not the person I was even a year ago. I am who I am now because I made a decision to stop making excuses and become present, intentional, and do the things. I want that for you, too.
P.S. And next month our community challenge is to do something adventurous. This doesn't mean it has to be dangerous. It just means something uncomfortable or adventurous for you. Other people's opinions do not have impact on what you put on your list. For more info, go to our free Facebook community-Real Talk Tribe free community
