'Comfort Zone'

Get out of your comfort zone! How many of you have heard this phrase? I'd venture to say that everyone who read past the first word can relate to this phrase. Who said this first? Why did they say it? What does it really mean? Things that make you say hmmmmmm.

'Comfort zone' means something different to everyone. Some are comfortable talking to strangers while others, like me, would rather cut off a finger than talk to someone they don't know. If you asked a hundred different people what 'comfort zone' meant, you'd probably get a hundred different answers.

I believe that the most common yet unspoken definition of 'comfort zone' would be the routine in which we operate everyday. What I mean is that my 'comfort zone' consists of my faith, family, friends, job, scouts, etc... You know... the things I do everyday, the people I see everyday and so on. When I get out of my routine, I'm 'off my game'. I'm not 'normal'. Things seem so much more difficult than they need to be. I'm sure many of you would say the same.

While getting out of the 'zone' is necessary for personal, professional, or spiritual growth, if you're like me, you live 'in the zone' so you can be successful at the relationships, job, hobbies, etc... that are in your life. Leaving your 'zone' is scary and dangerous! It's so much easier to be successful if you're comfortable. When we are uncomfortable, we tend to focus more on getting back into a comfortable state or frame of mind than we do working on the task at hand. We tend to focus more on self, than anything else. IF and only IF we restore a reasonable state of 'comfortability' can we then refocus and conquer the mountain.

I like my 'comfort zone'! It's comfortable for crying out loud. If it wasn't I wouldn't be there! I don't mind getting out of my 'comfort zone' when necessary, but I want to do it on my own, in my own way, and at a time of my choosing! I do not want to be forced out of my 'comfort zone'! If you force me out of my 'zone', then I am most likely going to be on edge and a lot less functional, and a lot less cooperative. I liken leaving the 'zone' to entering an icy pool, most people want to dip in a toe, then a leg, then the lower half, and finally submerse themselves. Most people, including me, do NOT want to be thrown out of their 'zone' but would rather do so in a controlled manner that makes them fell 'COMFORTABLE'. Hello people! Are you listening?

I am in the process and I emphasize the word PROCESS of leaving the 'zone'. I am learning and growing because I am in the process of leaving the 'zone'. I am learning and growing because I am leaving the 'zone' in a controlled manner at a time of my choosing. However, I am thankful that I do NOT have to do it on MY OWN. God is with me or else I would not be leaving the 'zone'. With God all things are possible! I AM going to leave my 'zone' and experience life as never before! I am going to live for the first time.

I challenge you to look at the boundaries of your own personal 'zone'! What are they? Why are they there? Do they need to change? Are you willing to change them? With a little introspection and a lot of prayer, you can change not only your 'zone' but you can change the world!

Living uncomfortable!