How Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone Transformed My Life
“A ship is always safe at the shore, but that’s not what it is built for.” – Albert Einstein
Do you ever feel the tension rising within you at the mere thought of stepping outside of your comfort zone?
Are you innocently activating your nervous system?
Does your mind conjure worst-case scenarios, activating your nervous system in preparation for a fight-or-flight response?
I understand how you feel, because I used to be that way too.
Having come to understand how our mind works, I discovered that I had been innocently self-sabotaging in the past, all in an attempt to stay safe.
Our brains don’t know the difference between real and imagined threats, so they automatically activate the nervous system in preparation for a response.
Stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline are released to provide extra energy and strength.
While this is great if you are in danger and need to protect yourself, it can be detrimental if the stress is innocently, self-inflicted.
Living in a state of chaos
I had a habit of turning every new experience into a reason to frighten myself. I let my thoughts lead to my mood, which would become anxious and fear-based.
In the past, I would have reacted to these thoughts with negative self-talk and criticism.
It wasn’t until I began to pay attention to how my thoughts change my mood and experience that I realised how this constant self-sabotage had been affecting my life.
As I became more aware of my thought patterns, I noticed a tendency to get lost in insecure thoughts when in a low mood.
During these times, I would question my abilities and the decisions I had made previously when I was in a more positive state of mind.
It was like living in a constant state of chaos.
Understanding where our experiences are coming from
But once I understood the nature of the human experience and how our moods are just as natural a part of it as thoughts, I began to see things differently.
Understanding that thoughts are like clouds passing in the sky, and that I have the power to choose whether or not to focus on them, has been truly transformative.
Instead of getting lost in unhelpful or negative thoughts, I now observe them with curiosity and openness, realising that they do not define me or my experience.
While I can’t control the thoughts that pop into my mind, I have the power to choose which ones I give my attention to.
Make conscious decisions
By practicing mindfulness and awareness, I’ve learned to observe my thoughts without judgment or attachment.
This has empowered me to make conscious decisions about where to direct my focus, allowing me to cultivate a more positive and productive mindset.
Stepping outside my comfort zone has helped me to grow tremendously.
I’ve pushed past that fear and anxiety, which has led to incredible rewards.
I’ve met new people, had new experiences, and explored different perspectives.
It’s taken time and effort, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Are you ready to step outside of your comfort zone
I’m living proof that stepping outside of your comfort zone and pushing past fear can change your life in ways you never thought possible.
It takes understanding that thoughts and moods are a natural part of human experience and that self-sabotage is counterproductive.
When we embrace the unknown, we unlock our full potential and lead a more fulfilling life.
If you’re feeling stuck in your comfort zone, know that it’s okay to feel afraid but it’s also important to move past fear and step outside of it.
Take small steps and celebrate each success along the way.
You will be surprised at just how transformative it can be.
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Angela
Namaste- I honour the place in you in which the entire universe resides. I honour the place in you, of love, of light, of truth, and peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.