Thursday, June 19, 2008

comfort zone

aaaaaahhhhh! relaxing in the back yard with a good book and a glass of iced tea. i'm reading the memory of running by ron mclarty. it started kind of slow but now i'm really enjoying it. sometimes it makes me laugh out loud.

today while reading i was thinking about my comfort zone. it seems that at my previous job i let myself get into a somewhat lazy groove of not pushing myself to learn or grow. of course, the situation there was very strange for over a year with our fate as a company hanging ingthe lurch, not knowing if we were to be kept or sold, no knowing how long we would have jobs. the fear of the unknown and the frustration of the emotional roller coaster ride gave me the push i needed to look outside my circle of comfort, asking myself what is the next new adventure for me? it made me want to be in control of my life, to chart my own course and not be dependent on others for my well-being or happiness. looking back over the last year or so i am pleased that i have pushed myself to take on new ventures -- my art, teaching classes, my etsy shop, blogging, photography and, maybe best of all, writing which i used to love so much. my new job is also challenging me in so many ways. i've coordinated my first photoshoot with babies (so fun!) and have the adrenaline rush at least once a day of learning something new and having to stretch myself.

so as much as i enjoy my comfort zone of reading in the backyard, i am proud to be stretching and growing and reaching for new heights!

11 comments:

Strider said...

Good for you Julie! Sometimes, even in the "comfort" zone, we have to trust that God has us there. Sometimes it's a stretch to rest!!! Have a good day.

Tess Kincaid said...

Funny how our comfort zones are always changing, aren't they? :)

Auburn Kat said...

It can be so hard at first going out of your comfort zone, but once you do you are usually glad...I know I am! I'm constantly trying to overcome my shyness and go after what I want in life.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

This is my first time visiting your blog! Lovely job! I'll be back!

AlasMyDear said...

and i'm proud of you too! it does take such a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone, so very good on you! and it's so nice that you enjoy what you're doing everyday now :)

Betsy Brock said...

Julie ~ hope you enjoy all the new things in your life. We are having the most gorgeous weather here in Ohio, aren't we? Perfect for sitting outside and reading! :)

Laura said...

Julie, I am in constant awe as as I witness all the you have accomplished over the past year and a half, and I am honored to call you my friend.

S. Collier said...

wonderful post julie - i appreciate how you can "roll with it" such a great way to live.

NANCY LEFKO said...

Julie, thanks for visiting my blog and for the link too :) You're absolutely right about comfort zones and taking the leap outside of them....

my best to you !

Sarah said...

What a nice post Julie. It's so important to push ourselves to learn and grow. Even though I'm a stay at home mom at this point in my life...I'm learning things about my personality AND my patience level with just staying home. No matter what point we are in our life we have to remember to push ourselves out there!
Sarah
Vintage Lily

Ginger said...

Great pic. It should be next to the word bliss in the dictionary.