Last year I went to Costa Rica.
That may not sound wholly adventurous and crazy. But when I told that to a girlfriend of mine, she shook her head and said, “I could never do that.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Just go to a third-world country like that. That’s just crazy. You weren’t scared?”
I had to think about that for a minute.
I wasn’t scared. I was worried — but about things anyone would worry over when traveling abroad. I didn’t want to forgot my passport or get malaria. But would these things happen? I suppose they could. I just didn’t think about it.
No, I can’t speak Spanish. And yes, we had rented a car and had planned to drive clear across the little country in South America. Could corrupt cops pull us over and take our money? I guess. And could I get some kind of life-threatheing disease and wind up in a hospital overseas and not be able to tell the doctor I’m allergic to certain antibiotics? Sure. But I wouldn’t let these hypotheticals stop me from living a full life.
Turns out, living outside your comfort zone — which is where most of like to be — is a good thing, albeit scary for some.
I read an article in Forbes online by Margie Warrell, author of “Stop Playing Safe,” where she talked about moving out of her family’s home at 18 to go to a “big city” college. She was terrified.
As I found then, and have countless times in the years since, no worthwhile aspiration can be accomplished from within our comfort zone. Only in giving up the security of the known can we create new opportunity, build capability, and grow influence. As we do, we expand the perimeter of our ‘Courage Zone’ and our confidence to take on bigger challenges in the future.
I believe that.
The more we try — and often fail — the more we’re willing to try again. And maybe even aim higher.
Now that I’ve gone to Costa Rica, I’m not afraid of traveling to other countries where I may not be familiar with the language or culture — or have had a recent outbreak of the avian flu virus.
It’s the adventure that really challenges us, that changes us. It’s letting go of insecurities and vulnerabilities and fears. Can you fail? Yes. But can you learn from that failure? Unless you’re dead, yes!
I still won’t go bungee jumping, though.
So when have you gone outside your comfort zone? Or do you like your warm, comfy cocoon?
5 Comments
What can I say, I enjoy traveling around the world from the comfort of my lounge chair with my remote by my side. No airports to deal with. I find different cultures fascinating and enjoying hearing stories from others who like to travel. I went off to college in the mainland at age 17 with all intentions of returning to Hawaii. Everyone there wanted to come to Hawaii, or one day return home to Hawaii. So why leave?
I enjoy my cocoon and at times will step out to expand the comfort zone. That makes me happy and one should do what makes them happy. If I was not cruising the world tonight on my lounger I would have never found The CAT DISH!
Lost count, and the interesting thing is the older I get the bigger my comfort zone. Wish I had been a little more brave when I was young. Most memorable? Moved to Hawaii with not enough money, no job, and no connections. The day I marked to give up and leave found a job. It was worth the risk.
Hey Cat: I think there’s magic in our comfort zones too!!! … sure, there may be greater rewards with greater risks and venturing way beyond your comfort zone … but magic happens in our comfort zones too … just don’t be blinded in your comfort zone to the point you don’t realize it’s right in front of you …
… and our comfort zones are ever evolving … it might start off small like your graphic illustrates … but those two circles do collide … intersect … form a union … dammit I don’t know my math terms anymore!!! …
… risk taking is scary and exciting … but I can only take it in small doses …
CAT: Once when I was like 16, I was taking a Red Cross Life Savings course at the Natatorium to get a merit badge to be an Eagle Scout. One of the things we had to do to pass the course was jump from the highest level of the tower (in those days it was still in use). it looked like the height of the Titanic so I was very apprehensive…I do not like heights! Then an older woman (she must have been in her late 50s or 60s) and a young gal who had a bout with polio at a young age, who were in the class..just took off and jumped. After seeing that, I could not go back down the tower. Looked at the archway and jumped. It was a looong waay down, it seemed like 3 days before I hit the water and went maybe 10 feet down. I have never done anything so nuts since. Our warm up laps before class was easier…10 laps the length of the Natatorium.
At this point, the only thing that takes me out of my comfort zone is the risk that I may be eating primate flesh without realizing what is being served (a mostly irrational fear), or the sense that I’m carrying too much luggage. At age 52, I have no bags with wheels and have traveled all over the world but never with more luggage than could fit easily under an economy class seat and of a weight that could comfortably carry for at least a mile. Age is catching up with me though, and I know I won’t be traveling forever. What I can carry and how far in my comfort zone is going to get smaller and smaller as I physically age.
Now you, Cat, went to the fine North American nation of Costa Rica, and still to this day think you were in South America. That’s leaving a comfort zone for certain. I couldn’t help but smile. South America begins the other side of Panama: that’s Venezuela and Colombia.