I stole that from one of my favorite bloggers- Franki Durbin of life in a venti cup.
Once a year she commits to a life tune-up because she “genuinely believes you have to design the life you want.”
Think about that for a second…so simple, but so true.
In a recent post, she invited her readers to join. It is a seven day process filled with inspiring tips and guidelines that you can adjust to match your own life. I highly suggest you read each tip, if you’re going through a lull in your life, your confidence or your job, or even if you feel like you just need to mix things up. I am going to try next week.
The part about doing something that scares you every day really stood out for me because it has been those times that I have made the most incredible experiences, for myself.
I was horrified to leave my family and friends and move to Philadelphia for college and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. I was able to experience a whole new city, I made the best friends in the world and of course, I was able to be a mere 20 minute train ride from Mike instead of 6.
When I left to study abroad in Ireland for a semester in college, it was the first time I ever needed a passport- instead of taking traveling abroad slow, I chose to dive right in. It was scary getting on that plane, but I did it and I would never take it back.
Those are a few big examples. But, to get to the heart of Franki’s point – doing something that scares you every day – it is always good to start with the little things.
The first time I went to the movies alone, which sadly enough wasn’t too long ago, I was nervous. There is something about an experience, traditionally designed to occur in a couple or a group, that when done solo makes it exciting. Does that make sense?
My first ever blogger meetup was kind of exhilarating. That sounds weird, but let me explain. You walk into a bar alone expecting to meet people you have never really met. You don’t know what everyone looks like, you hope that you find a group that looks like they could be bloggers and that when you approach them, they actually are so you don’t look like an idiot. If you are as neurotic as me, before entering the thought crosses your mind that this was one big joke and that you are going to walk in there alone and no one will be there or ever speak of it again.
That was dramatic- but things like that aren’t anymore for me, because I’ve done them. And next week, when I make a concerted effort to take scary risks, both big and small, I know I will be chipping away at any reservations that block my adventurous side.
What is the best thing that’s happened to you that was a direct result of stepping out of your comfort zone?
moving to paris, I think. but I still can’t even eat in public alone, to say nothing of attending a movie. here’s to hoping!
also, so exited about meetup 2.0!
claires last blog post..To Brighten Your Thursday
This should come as no surprise, but skydiving was the best thing I ever did. That first time I climbed into a Cessna with my own parachute I was so nervous I felt like I was going to vomit. But I learned so much about myself from that solo free fall and it made me want to do it again and again.
Also, moving across the country from Michigan to Texas – scary yet amazing!
Ashleys last blog post..Full and shivering
i traveled alone… although it was only a flight out to reno to see my dad. i loved it! i dined alone on that trip, went to the bar alone… i really enjoyed it. it was out of my comfort zone but i liked it a lot.
brookems last blog post..I like that boom boom pow
I used to love going to the movies by my self. One year I saw every movie up for an Oscar. Had never done that before and haven’t since.
i’ve finally gotten into a habit of doing things on my own and completely enjoying it. of course, that took forever. and blogger meetups? that first one scared the crap out of me, haha.
emrldss last blog post..mother nature is dirty.
That would be driving out of town for around 4 hours all by myself, pretty liberating. I usually cant stand being alone but it was nice, just me and my ipod player, a bunch of snakcs and a cold drink.
Andharis last blog post..Slummin it!
My experience is similar to you. I moved from the small province in Thailand to Bangkok in High School to stay in a dorm so that I could go to better school. I was pretty scared to live in a big city by myself. Well, with the supervision of the nun but still.. no mom, no dad..But I think in turn, it helped shave me to be pretty independent and eventually make a bigger move across the ocean to the States.
Amy @ The Q Familys last blog post..The White House from Afar
i can’t believe that blogger meet up was more than a year ago!! agreed- its always a little crazy to meet a blogger for the first time- but it gets easier and easier.
cool post!
Julie Qs last blog post..Anyone know when the next Halley’s Comet is?
Similarly, for the month of June, I committed myself to doing something new everyday– not scary necessarily, but just out of my comfort zone. Though certainly a few of them have been intimidating! I live in Japan, so there are new experiences abounding here! I’m 2 weeks in so far, and I’m amazed at how gutsy I’ve become already about other areas of my life and the tremendous energy I get from simply breaking out of old patterns.
Mary Rs last blog post..Challenge 16: No Balloons for You, American!
[...] came across this saying while reading a blog post over at Transient Travels. Although this was not the first time I came across this, something about [...]