Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
I’ve heard the recommendation that you should be taken outside of your comfort zone every day in some small way. I call this a “Comfort Zone Stretch” and imagine it as out of the chair full-body yawn that makes you feel more awake.
Today, I got my stretch from an email. I wanted to help a family member and reconnect with an acquaintance, but I hesitated and second-guessed whether the out-of-the-blue connection would be welcome. My gut clenched. I felt a flash of heat rise across my chest. I exited out of the draft, minimized my browser, and started on another project.
In the middle of a third or fourth project, it struck me that I was letting fear get the best of me. I asked myself “What is the worst that could happen?” They might not get back to me. “How do you feel about that?” I’d be okay with them not getting back to me. They’re probably really busy. “What else might happen that would be really awful?” They might get back to me and ask how I am doing and if I’m finding success. “How would that make you feel?” That would be the worst. I’d have to say that I’m not finding success. “You’re not finding success?” Well, I’m not as successful as I would want to show them. “What would you like to show them?” That I am happy, healthy, having fun, adventuring. “Are you?” I guess so. I’m working on it. “If you heard from an acquaintance that you hadn’t heard from in a while asking how you are and if you had ideas about something, how would you react?” I’d be thrilled to hear from them, want to know more, and offer whatever support I could. I paused. I guess that’s how they’d likely react too.
Today my feeling of inferiority got in the way of connecting a dot. My own self-pity was stopping me from saying ”Hi!” and “How have you been?” Thankfully, I caught myself. I sent the email.
Today’s Comfort Zone Stretch increased my awareness around my own insecurities, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to stretch every day. (I even got in another workout around typing up and posting this blog!)
So, tell me, what has you stretching lately?