The activities we partake in are often limited due to our tendency to put ourselves in a metaphorical box. This so-called box is our comfort zone. According to my understanding, one's comfort zone is a sort of standard we create for ourselves in order to stop ourselves from doing anything we potentially may not enjoy due to fear or other factors. My advice to all: Do what you are afraid of (within reason, of course).

I try as best as I can to live by the advice I have just preached to all of you. I am notorious amongst my friends and family for being afraid of just about everything, but I try not to allow my fears to keep me from venturing out of my comfort zone. I was not always this comfortable with doing things that made me uncomfortable. It was not until a few years ago that I began allowing myself to experience things that are not like the ordinary activities I usually enjoy partaking in. I do things I am afraid of doing because my greatest fear is allowing my fears to restrain me from greatness. As I already mentioned, some fears are viable and should not be challenged due to the potential danger they bring upon you.

The hardest part about getting out of your comfort zone is building up the courage to actually break through. Nobody enjoys being uncomfortable, and most people are content without exceeding their limitations. So, why would anyone want to cross the line of comfort when they are perfectly content being on the safe side? Pleasure. Getting out of your comfort zone does not only widen your horizons, but it also causes you joy. We have all, at one point or another, done something we were afraid of doing, and come out feeling extremely proud of ourselves. That feeling of utter joy and satisfaction should motivate us all to try new things.

Leaving your "safe space" every once in a while is crucial because new experiences lead to growth. The person I am today is due to the outlandish decisions I have made in the last few years. Getting out of your comfort zone will not always result in a positive outcome, but the memories will almost always be worth it. I will never forget the day I tried to climb a tree, regardless of my fear of heights and my inability to climb anything, and fell seven feet to the ground. I probably won't be climbing another tree anytime soon, but I do not regret my decision.