Comfort Zone

by annemariedemyen, posted in May 2022
Molly – In the Zone

Back in the days when I was working, I would receive a weekly inspirational email.  I do not remember the  name of the woman who authored  these emails.  I do however remember one email in particular.  It inspired me at the time and it has stuck with me to this day.

This one email focussed on our comfort zone.  Basically, the place, places, or situations where we feel comfortable.  For any number of people, which I am one of, anything outside  of our comfort zone(s) is uncomfortable to the point of being distressing.  So, what to do?

We have two options.   First off, we can do everything in our power to stay in our comfort zone(s). The problem with this, is that the harder we try to stay within our comfort zone, the smaller it gets.   We back ourselves into our yard or our house or our bed, while our life passes us by.   😢

Our second option is to realize that any discomfort or distress we feel in leaving our comfort zone is simply growing pains.   If we push through the pain, out comfort zone expands to include more and more of the life we are meant to live. 

Over the years, I have been reminded of this email countless times when I have experienced these ‘growing pains’.  

One situation it has specifically helped me deal with is my fear of driving.    (Terror would be a better word).   I have been terrified to the point of suffering full blown anxiety attacks when driving. (Which, trust me, is not good at any time but particularly dangerous when one is driving.)  By recognizing the first signs of distress, and accepting them as growing pains, I have been able to get past the discomfort and embrace the challenge of  expanding my comfort zone – even when I am driving.  

I know that I cannot do this advice the justice of the original author, but if there are places or situations that you find challenging, try it. If it doesn’t work for you, at least you tried. If it does work – you will be amazed!

That is it for today. Take care and have a great day! 💞

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21 thoughts on “Comfort Zone”

  5. i confess. Driving scares me and the older I get, the worse it gets. I call it anxiety or even at times, borderline panic attacks. However, I have learned to control these impulses by talking myself out of them when one is occurring. I have always said that if I ever won a huge lottery, I would HIRE a driver.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Thank you for this encouraging post, Anne. I have some uncomfortable zones that I need to work on. I hope to remember this post and tackle them. I love the photo of Molly she looks comfortable in that nice chair. Hoping your day is going well.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Driving anxiety has to be one of the worst. 😱 I am glad that you have found a way that helps you to deal with it. I always say if I ever win a huge lottery, I will buy a Ram and drive the hell out of it. 😂

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  10. I think a lot of people have found that. Personally, I find wearing a mask to be strangely calming. I generally don’t wear one now but I put one on when I went in to see my respiratory specialist and I was instantly calm. Wierd. 🤷

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Agreed, it’s always good to get outside of our comfort zones. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself and it makes you realize that you’re so much stronger (mentally and physically) than you initially thought. That being said, it’s also good to know your limits!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. I am fine with driving in my own home town but I cannot drive in large cities or on the interstate. I panic so when we travel my husband drives when we are near big cities and lets me drive when we hit the open road with little traffic.

    Liked by 1 person

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