Comfort & Growth

I’ve been thinking a lot about comfort zones lately; more specifically why it’s called a comfort zone, when typically, it’s at least a size too small for our ‘self’!  I get that we can all get comfortable in doing the same things, that taking on something new is risky; and could potentially upset the apple cart so to speak; but would you rather stay comfortably uncomfortable?  We don’t have to take huge risks, or make grand sweeping changes, to create something more comfortable!

How do we actually get comfortable?  In my own life, through dealings with clients, family, personal experiences, and my own children; there are a great many things; that I know a great deal more about, than I ever cared to know!  Things that at one time would have shocked me; and while they still fall outside my ‘acceptable’ boundaries, they have found a place of comfort, in my ability to not be shocked by their existence… I have become desensitized to a great many things over the years, and recently I have begun taking stock of what I want in my comfort zone.

The more times we are exposed to things, good or bad; the deeper they make their way into our tolerance, and hence become comfortable… so to speak.  To that end our comfort zone becomes more about repetition than actual comfort; right?  People are motivated to change when they make the decision that their supposed comfort isn’t what makes them happy!

In all fairness; and from personal experience, I know that the first time I looked at the scale; and felt comfortable with the added 5 pounds; was the opening of the door for 5 more!  The first time I tried a new healthier choice food, and liked it; was the beginning of trying more!  The first time I took a fitness class and discovered how incredible it felt to feel strong; was the beginning of my life as a fitness instructor!  What we allow, is what we will receive!

One of my favourite quotes is; ‘the magic happens outside your comfort zone’; an absolute truth when you consider your comfort zone could potentially be a corner you have been painted into!  What we become comfortable with may, or may not; even be of our own choosing!  Where we work, who we associate with, social media, and yes, even our family; may in fact be creating that zone for us.  By repeatedly presenting negativity or positivity in our lives, that we learn to become comfortable with, and allow in our zone!

Growing up my mother never forbade me from hanging out with people; although at times she undoubtedly questioned my choices!  She would often say to me ‘Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.’  At the time I thought she was ridiculous; and even judgemental, but most importantly I was certain she was wrong!  LOL Mothers are seldom wrong… it’s one of the great perks of experience! 

As I dig deeper into my own happiness; and my daily routines, I am discovering so many ways to expand my boundaries!  Taking risks, no matter how small, try a new food, a new hair style, or take a different route to work, are all things that anyone can do; that offer expansion!  Don’t settle because it’s always been a certain way; ask yourself if the way it’s being done makes you happy, supports your goals, or truly offers you comfort!  If it doesn’t; change it!

Comfort zones that fit your ‘self’ require change; you are evolving as an individual every day!  The world around you changes, every day!  You absolutely cannot stay happy in a stagnant comfort zone!  It may feel easier, than the alternative; which could include failure – but over the years I have come to the realization that ‘failure’ doesn’t exist.  Instead, I have accepted that every action has ‘results; some are positive, and some are negative, nothing we do is ever wasted!

Our challenge becomes staying sensitive; to our own feelings, as well as what is happening around us!  Every morning I make myself a promise; today I will try something new!  Every day I expand my comfort zone to fit my newly enriched self!  It’s not that hard to do, the list of things available to try on a daily basis is infinite!  Food, activities, perspectives, books… one of my favourites is, catching myself thinking inside the box about a certain thing; and challenging myself to see it from a different perspective! 

Amaze yourself, challenge yourself, and never stop expanding your comfort zone!  Get comfortable with knowing what makes you uncomfortable... and embrace it!