Way Beyond My Comfort Zone
Author: Kris Bean
July 21, 2020
When Nikki said we would all take turns writing a blog, I
smiled and nodded my head. But my palms started to sweat and I had butterflies
in my stomach. I am not one for putting my thoughts into words, so forgive me
in advance.
By definition, a comfort zone is a psychological state in
which things feel familiar to a person and they are at ease and (perceive they
are) in control of their environment, experiencing low levels of anxiety and
stress. It is a behavioral state where a person operates in an anxiety-neutral
position. It is where our uncertainty, scarcity and vulnerability are
minimized.
For me, it took a life changing experience to live outside
my comfort zone. My son Christian used to tease me and tell me I liked to live
in a bubble. I would normally surround myself with things I am comfortable
with. My books, my pets, my garden and my family. Being married to an extreme
extrovert is sometimes very hard. I
function best when I know what to expect. Surprises are not my thing.
August 6th always comes up and surprises me which is why it
causes me anxiety and makes me uncomfortable. Even though it’s my youngest
son’s birthday, this is a date that used to throw me out of my comfort zone and
for that reason, I ignore it. Why do I push that particular date to the back of
my mind? What is it about that date that bursts my bubble and makes me
uncomfortable? And why am I planning on celebrating August 6th this year? This
year August 6th marks my 5th year of being cancer free. Experts say after five
years with no recurrence, you may have beat it.
It is always in the back of my mind that you can be living
your life when, BAM your bubble bursts and you are suddenly faced with a situation
that changes your life. Everyday I look at the physical scars that are left
from cancer but the emotional scars don’t show. Why five years later, am I
crying while writing this story? I promised myself five years ago, I would
never let anything hold me back. I would venture out of my comfort zone and
live my life to the fullest. I look back and not all that much has changed on
the surface. But I have changed. I don’t take things for granted anymore. I
treasure every moment spent with my husband and my children. I am and always
will be a work in progress. But I try every day to appreciate the little
things.
During this time of Covid people are counting their
blessings and talking about silver linings. What if we all looked at our lives
like that every day? What if it didn’t take cancer or a pandemic for us to see
the joy in everyday life? What if we all ventured a little out of our comfort
zones? Would we all realize that we have more in common than we thought?
So, on August 6, do me a favor. Hug your loved ones a little
longer and do something outside your comfort zone. Live this beautiful life God
has given you and be thankful.
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