Get Out Your Comfort Zone!

A few weeks ago, I booked an Airbnb for the first time to get away for a few days to work on my book. It was in a busy section of Oakland in Pittsburgh where many college students and other professionals reside. I was very excited to go on my first writing retreat and made sure that I had a place with a fully equipped kitchen so that I could prepare my own meals and focus on getting some writing done.

 The day of my trip, I looked more closely at my reservation and started to realize that I may not be the only one in the apartment. The thought of this did not set well with me and made me feel anxious. I had no desire to be in a small apartment with a stranger-despite having my own room.

 Next, I reached out to the host and my worst fear was confirmed. She told me that I had only rented a room and would be in-fact sharing the space. The prospect of being in a small apartment with a stranger was disconcerting and I was ready to cancel my reservation and forfeit my money.

 Even though I was packed and ready to go...I had to take a couple pregnant mental pauses.

I absolutely did not want to be with a stranger, but at the same time knew how important it was to complete my book. As I paused, I said to myself’, “If you want to complete your book, you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone!” I also told myself, “If this does not work out, I will go back home!”

 When I arrived in the building, I could not get in. I was not able to figure out how the system worked and wondered if this was a bad omen. Eventually, I called the host and she helped me figure it out. Upon entering the unit, I was pleased to find it clean and cozy. However, the first thing that caught my attention was a dirty pair of Reeboks at the front door. They gave me the impression that someone had been walking in mud. I paused and wondered who is in this apartment, but the roommate was nowhere to be found and the extra bedroom door was closed.

 I unpacked and did some writing in the kitchen most of the day and then locked my bedroom door to turn in around 9PM. As I was watching TV, I heard someone enter the apartment. I was thinking, “The stranger has now entered the apartment.” I did not open my door to great him/her.

 The next morning, I reluctantly opened the door and there was the roommate. He was a slim young man in his early twenties wearing shorts with no shirt or shoes. He had just arrived from Austria to the U.S. (a few weeks ago) to attend a prestigious graduate school. We only talked briefly as he was getting ready for class, but he was very upbeat and pleasant.

 After meeting him, I was at-ease. It was ironic that I was uncomfortable sharing the apartment with a stranger, but he was gone mostly every day and the apartment was quiet and peaceful and I got a lot of writing done. We even had breakfast together my last day and I learned a lot about Austria and a few other things!

 This whole experience reinforced the value of challenging myself to go outside my comfort zone. As a result, I accomplished a lot and met a pretty cool student! Although I always encourage others to leave their comfort zones, this experience reminded me that I also have some work to do.

 As you go about your day, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you need to stretch and challenge yourself. When you get the courage to leave your comfort zone and face your fears, there is no limit to what you can accomplish!

-Make today great!

 Remember, Greatness Awaits You!

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