Get Outside Your Comfort Zone

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

I watch my kids grow outside their comfort zones every day. It’s part of growing up and developing into a young adult. But once in adulthood, comfort zones become…well, very comfortable.

This year, Lucy is on a competitive volleyball team, with strength training added to help the girls improve. I can see her becoming more confident on and off the court and really finding her way.

Charlie opted to go to a private school this year, away from the majority of his friends. Then he went out for the tennis team, he’s playing Quidditch and he’s hopeful he’ll make the volleyball team. (I mean, Quidditch! Who’d have thought!?)

Why don’t we explore things outside our comfort zones as adults? Why is it so difficult to try new things? Or even stick with hobbies?

As I watch my oldest graduate from high school and my youngest get more and more self-sufficient, I’m well aware that the kids won’t be around forever. And I feel like I need to find myself before I’m sitting around in my house alone all day, being a crazy dog lady.

I used to be crafty and make things on a regular basis. Then I decided I was lazy (which, I’ve been told, is far from the truth). The truth of it is that I feel like I don’t have time for crafts anymore. I’m always at a sports practice for one of my kids or taking them to birthday parties, school or wherever.

I know I need to spend more time exploring my own passions and having my own interests. This is something I’ve been working on, even though it’s uncomfortable.

I bought a beach cruiser to ride around the neighborhood, and I’m loving playing tennis more. Jeff and I have talked about getting a camper and road-tripping it more. We may even rent one over the summer when the kids are away at camp to try it out.

While I don’t want to over-commit myself, I do want to be more social away from my family. I want to find a balance of doing things with my family and growing my network of friends.

Aside from all the craziness that this year holds, I think this year I’ll spend more time being uncomfortable and finding the things that truly push my comfort zone limits. It’s time to get back to a little more of me.