Coffee and Talk

We become so accustomed to living in our comfort zones that we rarely step out of them to try new things. This past weekend was full of new discoveries for me. I tried something totally new to me: a cardio boxing class that I always wanted to try but kept putting off. I went to a different gym than usual, which was weird for me because I prefer familiar places, but because I knew the coach, I embraced the ‘unknown.’ The class was fun and challenging. I learned new movements, met new people, and left feeling freaking great! I had just discovered something new about my skills and strengths.

Then the next day, I tried out surfing lessons, something I wanted to do for such a long time, but I never dedicated time to it because I thought it was silly at my age (43) that I wanted to learn how to surf. This kind of thought sometimes catches me by surprise because I know that we’re never too old to learn anything. Heck, I started practicing yoga at 32 and CrossFit at 41! But there I was, stuck in my own head. Our society, our circle of friends or family, consciously or unconsciously, impose upon us a character or a role that you have to play or be. And if you step out of that, oh boy! there is something wrong with you. We get so hung up on what other people might be thinking that we don’t go after the things that we truly want to do.

As I live through my 40s, one of my goals is no longer fitting into the box that I was given, but making my own space, living by my own rules, and doing the things that I feel are right or important to me, that make my soul feel alive. Other people’s expectations are theirs to carry. Focusing on myself has been opening so many doors to new people, new opportunities, to growth. Chasing what makes my soul feel fulfilled in the simple and little things in life, finding my purpose, and being on the path of this discovery, it’s priceless.

So, give it a try, step out of your comfort zone, and allow yourself to embrace new opportunities as they come into your life.