~2 minute read.
Join our guest blogger, Kate Watts, as she shares her story of stepping out of her comfort zone, of connection, of courage.
I like it when friends, family or work colleagues describe me as “brave” and “independent” because I’ve always thought of myself that way. I’ve always thought of myself as quite courageous, and I’ve done many things which one might describe as such. For example, moving to the other side of the world with no job, no house, no plans. Just 2 suitcases, ready to start a new life. Or competing in fitness/figure competitions where I got on stage in a bikini to be judged on my hard-earned physique!
But last weekend, I did something that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
I went to meet a total stranger, for a “friend date”. Kind of like Tinder I suppose but rather than looking for a new partner, I was looking for a new friend!
This is not something I set out to do, nor something I ever really thought about doing. It came about because a friend of mine set up a Facebook group for women in our demographic (30’s with no kids) and in our area who were interested in getting together and making new friends. I joined this group because I was proud of my friend for creating it and wanted to support her.
Over the next few days, more and more ladies were joining the group introducing themselves and having a virtual chat. Then one girl wrote a post introducing herself and asking if anyone was keen to meet up for a walk and a coffee on the weekend and without thinking about it too much, I replied! We already had some things in common (30’s, no kids, and both from the UK) so I thought “what’s the worst that could happen?”
It ended up being really good, Bel and I, along with her dog Doug, spent an hour together on a nice walk, just having a chat and getting to know each other a bit. She was easy to talk to and I enjoyed myself. It was only afterwards in the car on my way home that I realised how courageous it was of us to do that.
But trying something new and going beyond our comfort zone from time to time will help us to grow and expand our world.
While I am nowhere near as shy as I once was (in fact you probably wouldn’t describe me as shy at all now), I am still an introvert and am very happy in my own company. I’m not lonely or desperate for more friends, but I thought it would be nice to meet someone who lives near me, who is similar in age and life stage as me, who I could hang out with from time to time (many of my closest friends live in different cities).
I think in life, we can easily become complacent and take the easy route as much as possible. We like to stay in our comfort zones where we feel relaxed and in control. We often only leave our comfort zone when we really have to.
It takes courage to intentionally and purposefully step outside of your comfort zone. It can be anxiety provoking. It can be difficult. It can take a lot of energy. But trying something new and going beyond our comfort zone from time to time will help us to grow and expand our world. And who knows, maybe the next person you meet will become a lifelong friend.
It takes courage to intentionally and purposefully step outside of your comfort zone.
If you would like to reach out to Kate, you can message her via LinkedIn.
I met Kate earlier this year and have had the privilege to hear many of her stories of stepping outside of her comfort zone, of being courageous – both personally and professionally. When I asked Kate if she would be willing to share her story of her “friend date,” her immediate response was yes … another example of courage.
We know that we are inspired to courage on learning of the courageous stories of others. I hope Kate’s story has inspired you to step out of your comfort zone and be courageous and perhaps, as Kate has mentioned above, meet a lifelong friend.
@CourageChick
Leading with courage 