How often do we hear people in the self-help and coaching industry prodding us to get out of our comfort zone?
It's practically become a cliché at this point.
The truth is that for many people, the daily challenges of just living and making one's way in the world already take them out of their comfort zone.
Many people are struggling to maintain their emotional equilibrium while juggling the everyday demands of career, parenting, relationships, health issues, and financial pressures.
It's a lot. And on top of that there are the broader concerns surrounding the environment, global conflicts, and politics.
People are craving the chance to get back into a sense of comfort.
The advice to get out of your comfort zone applies to people who are already comfortable. But to those people who are struggling with life, that advice can feel shaming.
We crave comfort for a reason. For me, the peace and quiet I crave allows me to listen more closely to my inner voice. It gives me time to think, to process my thoughts without distractions or pressures. When I go too long without being able to access this space, I start to shut down, feel paralyzed, and become reactive.
I need my comfort zone. It's where I am best able to connect to myself and when I can do that, I can connect to others.
I take inspiration from my cat, Felix. When I adopted him, he stayed under the bed for a whole two weeks and wouldn't even accept any treats. But when he was ready, he came out and now he rarely leaves my side.
Don't be ashamed of wanting to be in your comfort zone. It's there for a reason. It serves a purpose.
Give yourself permission to be where you are, to want what you want, and to let go of what you don't want.
At some point, when you've had your fill of comfort, you may start to notice the signs that you're ready to branch out: a sense of boredom with the everyday, an itch try something new, a desire to take a risk, to grow.
And when that happens, you'll know it's time to get out of your comfort zone.
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