Liberation: Stepping outside your comfort zone

It's scary as fuck to put yourself out there. I'm not talking about filtered, posed selfies...I'm talking about putting yourself out there.

It's scary as fuck to feel vulnerable.

It's also the most liberating thing you can do. This is something I'm learning every single day. I'm trying new things and having fun...sometimes I do things and want to hide under a rock, but that's okay! I owe it to myself to make an ass of myself once in a while. The way I see it, if making a fool of myself helps someone else realize she can make a change in her life, step out of her comfort zone, and not have to do it all perfectly, then that's time well spent!

The thing is, we need to set goals. I'm not just talking about goals for the day or the week (although those are good to have as well). I'm talking about the BIG goals. The DREAMS! What are your dreams? If money was no issue. If age, or time, or location, or whatever...was no issue, what would you do with your life? 

That's the thing we forget when we reach adulthood - after the 20-something stage, or so I've heard (I was already a mother by then). We become adults, we get jobs that pay the rent. We buy the cars that come with payments and maintenance. We take MAYBE one vacation per year, if we are super lucky to have paid time off. 

The "real world," those "real jobs" leave most people feeling pretty shitty. I know I did. I went to school for years to be a teacher. I held at one point, 2 jobs and attended school full-time. It sucked. Then I finally got in the classroom and I was so eager for it. I was so happy to finally be there, only to realize that it just wasn't for me. I cried most days (in my walk-in closet), and drank wine while grading papers until around 11pm, and then drank more wine to fall asleep and get up at 6am and start working at my dining table, get to work, do that, come home, do the same thing. 

I think if you're doing something that leaves you feeling unfulfilled and uninspired every day, then a change needs to be made. Now I know not everyone can do what I did and just quit and be a SAHM...however, if that's something you WANT to do, then sit down together with your spouse and evaluate your situation. Can you down-size your home? Can you live with one car, or no car? Can you pay off a credit card or two and have enough wiggle room to allow one parent to stay home and save on child care? 

So, maybe you can't just quit your job. Can you find inspiration elsewhere? What is your hobby? If you can't answer that, then you need a little time to yourself to think about it. What do you LOVE doing? 

Is it making delicious food? Take a cooking class! Check Groupon for deals in your area. 

Is it photography? Take one day a week (or maybe a couple a month to go out and photograph. Be a tourist in your own town. 

Do you love to write? Then make time each day to do so. 

Are you itching to run a marathon? Join a running team in your area and find a running buddy. 

Are you a habitual crafter? Why not attend The Market? A quilt show? A painting class? 

Whatever. 

You've GOT to chase those dreams, even if you're only taking baby steps to do it. 

Be vulnerable, put yourself out there and make mistakes. These are the tales worth talking about. 

"Don't let your comfort zone be your casket." Dani Johnson

Get out there! Have some damn fun. 

Live your life. 

It's too short not to. 

And just think of all the cool places and people and things you will see once you step out of your comfort zone! 

As always, if you want support, please reach out.

xx, 

Resa