Launching from our Comfort Zone
As I mentioned last week, my daughter moved into her new freshman dorm last week and is getting acclimated to this new chapter in her life journey. As I've been following Facebook posts in a parents group for students, I've seen a lot of messaging about children who are struggling with making the adjustment to a new environment. I had a sense my daughter was doing ok from the quick texts she had sent, but I finally got a chance for a live conversation on Thursday.
I mentioned what I was seeing, and she was pretty blunt as she often is with her perspective.
She said, "Mom, it's not that hard. You just have to say hi and introduce yourself to the people sitting next to you in class. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but you just have to take that step." She went on to tell me what was working - finding lots of different places to study, meeting someone who is in the same program that she enjoys spending time with outside of class, and looking into clubs she can join to meet new people and get involved. She felt like she was prepared for this new experience. I took a moment of pride in contributing to her confidence in leaving her comfort zone.
For all of us adults, I think she shares a good lesson. We have to step out of our comfort zone and make the first move.
Say hi and introduce yourself to that person who sits next to you in the office or that is part of your exercise class.
Sign up for a new class or group.
Reach out to a neighbor you haven't met yet.
Raise your hand to volunteer for a new project at work or in a community group
It will be uncomfortable. It always is when something is new. We may fear rejection (I know I get nervous introducing myself in many new settings). The key to remember: if we do nothing, we don't meet anyone new , we don't learn anything new, and we don't do anything new.
Make this holiday weekend (if you're in the US or other location that has a Monday holiday) one that you try something new.
Be brave.
Leave your comfort zone.