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Stepping out of your comfort zone


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The Dance Between Fear, Anxiety, Pride, and Self-Awareness is an ongoing discovery of self.

There’s something safe about staying in our comfort zone. It’s familiar, predictable, and gives us the illusion of control. However, the truth is that growth rarely occurs there. The most transformative moments in life often come when we take a step into the unknown—and with that step comes a rollercoaster of emotions. We have all been there at some point in our lives.I definitely know I have, and it is scary.

The first one is fear. Fear whispers, “What if you fail? What if you’re not good enough?” It shows up in the pit of your stomach, tightening your chest and convincing you to stay where it feels safe. Fear isn’t always the enemy, though—it’s a signal that you’re on the edge of something meaningful.

Right behind fear comes anxiety. Anxiety keeps you awake at night, running through every possible scenario, most of them negative. It’s uncomfortable and overwhelming, but it’s also a sign that you care. You don’t get anxious about things that don’t matter—you get anxious about things that could change you. I have come to think of it as the two voices that have made their home in our minds. One voice whispers Go ahead, you can do it and the other, usually much louder, says  What if you fail? Everyone will laugh. Can you relate to this happening to you?

Then, if you push  through, something beautiful happens: pride. That pride doesn’t come from perfection, but from action. It’s the moment you realize, “I did it—I showed up for myself.” Whether the outcome was smooth or messy, you stood up to fear and anxiety, and that in itself is a victory. A few weeks ago, I gave my first talk at a retreat, and yes, the voices were very active. Something in me wanted to prove to myself I could do this . When I had finished speaking and I had survived, I felt both relief and excitement.

Finally, there is self-awareness. Stepping out of your comfort zone teaches you things about yourself you could never learn otherwise. You begin to see your resilience, your courage, and the strength you didn’t even know you had. With each experience, you grow more aware of who you are and what you’re capable of becoming. All of us are on our own journey, and this awareness of ourselves is bringing us to a greater understanding of who we are and how powerful we can become in this world we help create.           

Leaving your comfort zone is never easy. It’s uncomfortable, even scary. But it’s also one of the most rewarding acts of self-growth. The next time you feel fear and anxiety knocking at your door, remember—they’re simply signs you’re about to discover a new layer of yourself. And when you step through, pride and self-awareness will be waiting on the other side.

I am sure you have stories of stepping out of your comfort zone. How did it make you feel? I would love to hear about your experiences. Sometimes stepping out can seem very small, but each time you try, you get stronger. In sharing, we all become stronger and more connected.

You can connect with me at maryenglish471@gmail.com

  

 
 
 

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