It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in with you to ask:
“What’s making you step outside your comfort zone right now?
I find that especially in these summer months, a lot of us, myself included, tend to get a little bit comfortable. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that from time to time, but you are reading this blog for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, so here’s a little kick in the right direction for ya today.
This summer has been full of gutsy moves for me, some planned and some definitely unplanned. Life, man. It can be funny in that way.
Let me tell you a few ways I’ve been stepping outside my comfort zone this summer.
1. I’m moving. I found an amazing apartment in my dream town- yay! I am SO pumped. My lease officially begins in August, but I was able to gain early access this week. So far, I’ve moved in exactly three items: a desk, my little Buddha statue and a roll of toilet paper (necessities, right?)
This whole experience is brand new to me, so everything about moving feels like a huge leap outside my comfort zone. I’m definitely feeling overwhelmed and anxious, but also very excited.
I have SO much to do (and to buy), but I’m super grateful for my sister and friends who are helping me through the process. If you have any packing, moving or decorating tips, I’m all ears!
2. I’m getting gutsy with my writing. Did you catch this blog post a few weeks ago? I typically shy away from writing about controversial news topics because that’s really not what my blog is about, but with all of the sadness and tragedy happening in the world, I couldn’t stay silent anymore.
A transformative yoga class inspired the post and the reminder that truly, we are all the same. I hope you’ll give it a read.
I’m also working on another post that I plan to pitch to The Huffington Post about why I’ll never dumb myself down for a guy. This idea was sparked after a fellow woman told me I should “not tell guys I’m dating that I own a business” and to “dumb myself down” in order to “find a husband.” YIKES, right? I’m still wrapping my head around how to tackle that one in an article.
Stay tuned.
3. I’m running my business from the beach this month. I know, I know. At first read, this sounds amazing and not actually gutsy, but I promise, it is.
I’m only six months into running my own business, so I’m still developing a routine. This month, that routine has been completely thrown out of whack (in the best way possible) because I’m primarily living in Ocean City, New Jersey. I’ve been back and forth to Philly a few times to teach my yoga classes, but I’m doing all of my client work from the beach. It’s been such a fun month, but not going to lie, it’s been tough!
We have lots of family friends and guests in and out of our house who are here on vacation and it’s hard to say, “No, I can’t come to the beach until I’m done my work for the day” and to find focus when there’s so much else I’d rather be doing on a gorgeous, sunny day in my favorite place on earth. This month is certainly testing my discipline, but also challenging me to be a little easier on myself and let myself enjoy this time.
4. I’m amping up my public speaking. When I was invited to speak at a major PR conference in Florida back in February, I was like, “Yeah, sure…August is sooooo far away! I’ll definitely know so much more and be an amazing, eloquent speaker with lots of creative ideas then.”
Fast forward. It’s almost August. I’m still the same me.
But I’m speaking at this conference in less than two weeks. And I need to get ready! I’m extra nervous (and extra excited) because this is the first time I’m speaking about stepping outside your comfort zone, and not about personal branding or media relations, my usual speaking topics.
I also spent some time this week prepping my session description for my October speaking gig at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, so I’m getting myself into speaking mode.
Needless to say, I’m spending most of my days this summer feeling pretty uncomfortable, in the best way possible. I’m feeling challenged, stretched and ready to try new things. I feel like this is the beginning of a brand new chapter.
