How This Summer Taught Me How To Step Outside Of My Comfort Zone | The Odyssey Online
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How This Summer Taught Me How To Step Outside Of My Comfort Zone

Life starts at the end of your comfort zone.

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How This Summer Taught Me How To Step Outside Of My Comfort Zone
Bess Stone

Yes, everyone loves the summer — it's warm and sunny, and there's so many things to do, right? I’m a Leo so I should especially love the summer, right? However, summer has been my least favorite season for as long as I could remember. Not for any specific reason, but because I would not have a routine. I love the idea of waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, going to class (bear with me), coming home and hanging out with my roommates. Having responsibilities is something I work well with. I cannot just sit down and do nothing; I have never been able to do that and I never will be.

So, going into this summer I was looking forward to having an internship, travel plans, and making a routine for myself. I was nervous — I should add — to be home for the summer, not knowing what to do in my down time. I kept telling myself to try new things this summer, and to let this summer be the summer that changes my mind about the season in general. It was, and I will tell you why.

1. I learned to use the subway system.

It is actually so cool and quick and a genius idea for whoever invented that (props to you sir/ma’am/whomever that may be).

2. I learned to travel by myself.

I've traveled alone before but only once or twice and I was with a few other people (so I guess that’s not really traveling alone). I went to Minnesota and it was one of the most beautiful places I've been to; y’all should really start booking a trip.

3. I went to Texas for a sorority convention.

I learned SO much about my position, as well as the sorority as a whole — you wouldn’t even believe it.

4. I made new friends.

Who knew you could make new friends at twenty years old? And actually keep in touch with them? Shoutout to my friends from Texas — UKWUR.

5. I kept to my diet and lost about 10 pounds (go me, right?).

Then gained it back during my 21st birthday,which I'm OK with because it's acceptable, and I know I'll lose it when I get back into a workout routine again (ha, routine. Told you I liked those things!).

6. I spent great time with my family.

I have the best parents in the world who are my best friends as well as two older brothers. They both own their own businesses and I look up to them tremendously.

7. I learned to let things fall into place and happen without planning.

The summer is a time for relaxation and in my mind I needed a routine for everything. It turns out, without planning any of the things I listed above, I ended up having one of the best summers of my life. I did not plan to make friends in Texas, or learn how to use the subway system, it just happened.

For these reasons I will forever be grateful for this summer. Not only do I like summer now, I like not knowing what to expect in certain situations. I learned how to go with the flow and not always try to plan everything out before hand. I cant wait to go back to school next week and live out each moment to the fullest, not trying to plan everything that comes my direction. Hey, it’s my senior year, I might as well, right?

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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