Beach Notes by Guest Writer Suzie Cheel
I was walking on the beach this morning thinking about what I would write for my first post on Successful Blog. Liz and I have been talking for a few months now about my doing a regular post from Down Under.
I came up with Beach Notes, Liz said : “like messages in a bottle.”
Today as I asked Des (my life and business partner) what I might write, the words getting out of your comfort zone, came.
Interesting I thought as last week I put My Big Hairy Audacious Goal to the world and yesterday really stepped out of my comfort zone with the launch of a new blog where I have asked for help from my readers. So how am I feeling about this today, scarred but excited, the adrenalin is flowing and I feel finally I am moving forward. Getting out of the groove is looking very positive.
I wasn’t even distressed when the blog wasn’t flooded with comments or link love. In the past that would have been so discouraging. I am growing 🙂
I then thought about other times in my life when I have stepped out of my comfort zone and it has been life changing.
- Going to work in Nigeria when I was 22.
- When I left full time teaching to build a full time business with my art.
This time I feel will be life changing and will enable me to make a difference to my life, the lives of others and empower people to live lives full of joy, freedom and creativity.
Do you like stepping out of you comfort zone? How does it make you feel?
See you next week with another note from the beach.
The neat thing about stepping outside your comfort zone is said comfort zone immediately enlarges….so it encompasses your new endeavors once you master them. 🙂
So many people are content to stay within their comfort zone and never realize the leaps of greatness they can achieve…if they only give themselves permission to do so.
Congrats on your new adventure!
Barbara
Thank you Barbara,
I feel this morning that I really am outside my comfort zone as I launch yet another blog and life backs up.
hope it encourages others to do the same
There’s times when I think I’m more comfortable outside of my comfort zone than in it!
I’m a great one for following my gut, whether it makes sense to others or not. When I taken these leaps of faith, I find new life on the other side. Even if it’s not what I expected, I’ve learned something that makes my life more complete and full than it was previously.
Kudos on your new adventure!
Harmony,
Janet
I don’t think I would say that I “like” being outside my comfort zone. Who like being uncomfotable? Sometimes I like where it takes me, how I grow or what I learn after the discomfort has passed.
I don’t think people usually want to step outside their comfort zone, but it must be done if you want to learn, grow, change at all.
Wow Suzie – you really are doing some amazing things right now!!!!
I’m right *into* the whole “stretching myself” and getting out of my “comfort zone” right now. It’s so exciting and challenging and the adrenaline rush – wow!!!!
I think I’m beginning to move into a new season in life. From a winter to the spring. New birth and new growth. 🙂
Am LOVING following your journey too!!!
I feel as scared as the next person when stepping outside my comfort zone, but it’s not only the path to growth and success, but prevents stagnation and boredom.
I have quit full time jobs more than once to pursue what must have looked chancy to others, but I had to find out what I could do.
Just as I was getting a raise in my teaching job, for example, I retired to enter a 4-year doctoral program. We had a 5 year old and a 2 year old at the time, but my husband supported me in my decision. Going from two salaries to one felt like voluntary poverty, but I learned to cook every recipe on the Bisquick box to help keep us fed.
After I received my doctorate I entered university teaching. Although I enjoyed it, after 3 years I just had to try building the tutoring program I had always dreamed of. Besides, now I had two more children–a total of four–and owning my own business would allow me to spend more time with them.
Drats! Another venture into voluntary poverty! This time we were experienced at how to make it on less. Our priorities were clear. We didn’t eat steaks or go to Disneyland for years, but my kids didn’t miss violin, piano and dance classes either.
When considering a venture instead of worrying about whether it will succeed or fail, I ask myself how I will feel when retelling my life story to my great grandchildren. I decided it would be more satisfying and fun to entertain them with stories of all the adventures I had tried and failed at than bore them with a string of “I-wanted-to-but-never-did” sagas.
Boy! Do I have a lot of stories to tell.
I definitely find it scary stepping beyond my comfort zone into the land of the unknown and uncertainty. But, when surrounded by a net of friends and supporters, I know they will catch me should I stumble.
Stepping out can also be exciting; exploring beyond your known-ness. Good for it! What do you have to lose?
I don’t usually like stepping out of my comfort zone but it usually seems to pay off. I’ve just started my second business so that I can get out of the “job” way of life. Just thinking about it puts me out of my comfort zone….lol
@ Kristarella
s you say it must be done if we are to grow and change, Not always comfortable, feeling a bit of being uncomfortable today, but if we step through the changes can be life changing
@Glenda,
So joyful, I love you comments and yes relying on friend to support is wonderful
It hard getting out of the comfort zone. The hardest step in anything is the first step.
Seems like most of my replies have gone into cyberspace:( B5 media error now I remember
so I am starting at the bottom
@Greg, that’s right the first step is the hardest- feel the fear and do it anyway- Susan Jeffers
@Kevin Go for it
@Flora,
sounds like you could write a great article on this and tell lots of stories Love the voluntary poverty
@lightening thanks and I am so happy to see you moving forward, isn’t the adrenaline stuff just wonderful. keeps the vibes up.
@ Janet I like your take leaps of faith and find new life on the other side. I do feel that is what I am doing today and like you feeling very comfortable with the feeling. Not so yesterday.
Suzie
hi Susie
I love the title and I am looking forward to your notes from the beach.
I am stuck in a rut and I need to take some babysteps out of my comfort zone.
Wow on going to Nigeria – that would have been very different.
Hi Trish,
Thank you,
Yes Nigeria was amazing,I was much younger, fearless.
being stuck on a rut can be something that you can turn around quickly. I an about to out p a free ebook at The Abundance Highway, planning to put up my Monday so head over there to sign up. # simple steps to help you move forward
Look forward to helping you
Suzie