Leaving your comfort zone

A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there.

I can't tell you the amount of times that I have told myself this. Whether it be starting a new job, a new class or leaving the country I always remind myself  that whatever the outcome, at least the borders of my comfort zone will have widened.


It's terrifying the first time. You will want to run back within your limits and you keep telling yourself that it doesn't feel right, everything just feels wrong when in reality, everything just feels different. It's new and overwhelming, and maybe a little intimidating but soon enough it will feel comfortable and familiar. That's how you know you've stretched your limits.



The first time I flew solo I felt sick with worry boarding that plane. I was convinced that I would lose my passport or my money. Maybe my carry on case would somehow go missing from the overhead locker. Maybe I'd oversleep and miss my flight home!
None of those things happened. Nor did they happen when I flew solo a couple of months later. In fact, many solo flights later, they've not once happened. Guess what...I don't even worry about those things anymore. In fact, I really enjoy my solo flights now!


When I made the decision to leave my life in England behind for new adventures in Iceland it all felt very daunting. I knew that I wanted to make changes in my life and I knew that I wanted to be in Iceland but I was still afraid of everything that could go wrong. What if I didn't make friends? What if I can't earn a living? What if something happens back home? What if I can't learn the language? What if I feel exactly the same as I did back in England?

Almost a year later and I can answer all of those questions now.
1. I have made great friends here and still regularly communicate with friends back home. I also have the best boyfriend ever here!
2. Even on minimum wage in Iceland I feel like I am making a fair living, which I couldn't in the UK.
3. The first extremely serious family emergency in my life happened 2 months ago and is ongoing. This has already happened now and there's no point in worrying anymore about this potentially happening.
4. I am learning and continually gain more confidence communicating in Icelandic. I even try to use it in my job.
5. The first time I returned to England I could no longer relate to that life. Everything has improved so much for me in the last year and I've become accustomed to my new lifestyle. I don't think I could feel the way that I did in England even if I tried!



I honestly feel that by pushing your own boundaries there is nothing to lose, but plenty to gain.
I'd love to hear your experiences, let me know in the comments how you felt the first time you really left your comfort zone.

Loppy x

11 comments:

  1. It takes courage to change your life and move to another country. I've moved to a different state within the US for school and remained in that state after school. It would take a lot of courage for me to do what you did. Congrats on stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone and extending your limits beyond your reach! Nice job.

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  2. This is something I am horrible at. I'm generally a super risk-averse person, which leaves me cautious of EVERYTHING. I'm always scared of screwing up, and what could happen. But it's something I'm definitely working on, taking baby steps to do things that scare me a little, in a good way. Thank you so much for the inspo!

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  3. I am glad to hear such a big change has positively impacted your life! This is what I love for :) Xx Ash // themessylife.com

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  4. I agree with all of this 100%! I've left my comfort zone so many times now, and it always leads to a totally rewarding experience that I never would have had the chance to go through otherwise. So glad you shared. :)

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  5. This was a very well written story. I could relate to it, a lot actually. In fact, I recently wrote a story about one of my hosts who finds his own ways of leaving his comfort zone, maybe you would like to read it! I will attach the link below. :)

    https://www.alongtheway.today/single-post/2018/02/15/Chapter-Three-Everyone-Has-a-Shadow

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  6. I am in awe of your bravado. My mom was adventurous like you. I, however, find comfort in spending a lot of time at home. Thanks for helping me live vicariously through you.

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  7. I often struggle with the same fear. Like the time I have to resign from my 15 years corporate job because they started to under pay us. I was so afraid to let it go even though I know it is already time to do so. When I finally had the courage to do so, I found out for myself that it was really the right decision for me... Thanks for this encouraging post. I know we all deal with this kind of fear at some point in our lives.

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  8. I admire the courage you have to pick up and move to another country! What an amazing experience and opportunity for growth! I loved the title of your post because one of my themes for my life this year is stepping outside my comfort zone and facing fears, and it has definitely changed my perspective and my life for the better.

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  9. "A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing grows there" - couldn't have said it better.

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  10. This is so inspiring! Thank you! I just started my blog which has been a huge step out of my comfort zone, and this is very inspiring.

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  11. I moved from Kenya to Belgium 15 years ago... it is such a daunting thing to do. I had the same feeling as you... worried about not being able to make friends, speak the language etc. But now, looking back, it seems like it was destiny :) I have 2 lovely kids, met my partner and recently bought a house here. Kenya is still home, but Belgium is my adoptive home and I love it. Thanks for such a positive post :)

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