The good news is that you are not your habits, and your comfort zone is something that can be stretched and controlled through deliberate effort and intentional thought.
Oh, boy.....my comfort zone has been pretty much obliterated over the past four years, but I'm learning to be more adaptable and find the blessings in the change! I'm glad that photo resonated for you, Janice. I appreciate your posts and perspectives!
I'm currently stretching out of my comfort zone doing a solo road trip across the country. I'm planning on stopping in several wilderness areas to do some hiking, stretching even further. This is really a huge step out, slow and steady as she goes. If I get too anxious I'll head back home and start over again! So far, first night out, and doing okay!
Travel opens doors, engages us in new ways and provides opportunities for extending ourselves by being open to different kinds of experiences. Good on you for stepping out and best wishes for the days and weeks ahead.
Great essay. My daughters complain to me that I don't get out of my comfort zone. They’re right. I've travelled and did quite a lot but now I just want my comfort zone
Oh Janice… bless your heart! I am so proud of you emerging a bit from that old cocoon. You can do it! I’ve been alone 11 years next month… mine took a nap and didn’t wake up! I had no warning…just gone. I’ve written so much about grief and getting thru it… read when you up to it. Sadly there are so many of us here… widow warriors we are. We help each other and writing is so healing! I love that you researched and found your path! And if you can walk six miles… you’re my hero! Sending you much love and so many hugs, dear friend! ❤️🥰🤗🤗🤗
Hi Joan, Thank you so much! I shall certainly take a look at what you have written. Widow warriors, what a great term. I had four years of warning and still was in no way prepared for the depth of loss that has followed.
Thank goodness for elastic waistbands and elastic comfort zones! I never thought about the "expansion" just the "stepping out." So glad I spent some time with your writing today!
Lovely essay, Janice. I can easily empathise with your thoughts and emotions. The graphic is most apt. I was amazed to learn that the phrase "comfort zone" goes back to Dale Carnegie; I thought it was more recent. Stepping through the doorway that locks you into your comfort zone is very similar to the Zen recommendation of going through the "gateless gate." It also brings to mind a children's book called, I believe, "The Museum of the World." I could be wrong on the title. You venture into a compact group of rooms filled with various items, and the final door bears the name "The Rest of the World." You open it and step into the real world.
Hi Arjun, I looked it up just to be sure. The term “comfort zone” was first used by American psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1950s to describe an environment where individuals felt secure to operate without fear of failure. I love the idea of opening that door and stepping into the rest of the world.
The good news is that you are not your habits, and your comfort zone is something that can be stretched and controlled through deliberate effort and intentional thought.
Oh, boy.....my comfort zone has been pretty much obliterated over the past four years, but I'm learning to be more adaptable and find the blessings in the change! I'm glad that photo resonated for you, Janice. I appreciate your posts and perspectives!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🩷 My comfort zone is within three feet of my Laz-e-Boy, Janice! Thanks. Great post, as always
Actually, I thank you expanded your comfort zone wildly when you took on the bus system - that was impressive.
Ha ha ha! You are right! I forgot all about that learning experience. Thanks Janice
I'm currently stretching out of my comfort zone doing a solo road trip across the country. I'm planning on stopping in several wilderness areas to do some hiking, stretching even further. This is really a huge step out, slow and steady as she goes. If I get too anxious I'll head back home and start over again! So far, first night out, and doing okay!
Patti, Bravo to you!!!! Keep us posted how it goes.
Travel opens doors, engages us in new ways and provides opportunities for extending ourselves by being open to different kinds of experiences. Good on you for stepping out and best wishes for the days and weeks ahead.
Hi Gary, Thank you so much.
You might find my current post a nudge as I mused about this very topic: Here's a quick link: https://garygruber.substack.com/p/stepping-into-the-unknown
Words of wisdom for sure.
Love the idea of stretching just beyond your comfort zone. I call it baby stepping, and it’s something I’ve done deliberately the last few years.
I can’t wait to hear more about how you’re going to expand your comfort zone!
I think that's the key baby stepping. I've done it a little but plan to do more - not bigger steps particularly but next steps.
Really beautiful, Janice.
You are an awesome symbol of staying engaged, positive and giving to those around you.
Keep it going, and I will keep applauding.
Thank you so much, Jill.
What I mean is that I traveled and did a lot after my wife passed away
Great essay. My daughters complain to me that I don't get out of my comfort zone. They’re right. I've travelled and did quite a lot but now I just want my comfort zone
Oh Janice… bless your heart! I am so proud of you emerging a bit from that old cocoon. You can do it! I’ve been alone 11 years next month… mine took a nap and didn’t wake up! I had no warning…just gone. I’ve written so much about grief and getting thru it… read when you up to it. Sadly there are so many of us here… widow warriors we are. We help each other and writing is so healing! I love that you researched and found your path! And if you can walk six miles… you’re my hero! Sending you much love and so many hugs, dear friend! ❤️🥰🤗🤗🤗
Hi Joan, Thank you so much! I shall certainly take a look at what you have written. Widow warriors, what a great term. I had four years of warning and still was in no way prepared for the depth of loss that has followed.
Thank goodness for elastic waistbands and elastic comfort zones! I never thought about the "expansion" just the "stepping out." So glad I spent some time with your writing today!
Hi, Anne Marie, I love it - elastic comfort zones.
The shut down only exacerbated my desire to stay home. Breaking that habit is hard but worth it!
Hi Nancy, So true.
Lovely essay, Janice. I can easily empathise with your thoughts and emotions. The graphic is most apt. I was amazed to learn that the phrase "comfort zone" goes back to Dale Carnegie; I thought it was more recent. Stepping through the doorway that locks you into your comfort zone is very similar to the Zen recommendation of going through the "gateless gate." It also brings to mind a children's book called, I believe, "The Museum of the World." I could be wrong on the title. You venture into a compact group of rooms filled with various items, and the final door bears the name "The Rest of the World." You open it and step into the real world.
Hi Arjun, I looked it up just to be sure. The term “comfort zone” was first used by American psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1950s to describe an environment where individuals felt secure to operate without fear of failure. I love the idea of opening that door and stepping into the rest of the world.