“Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

Comfort zones. We’ve all got them. I know I certainly have mine. I often find myself following the same day-to-day routine. I finally wake up after snoozing my alarm at least twice, shower, drink my coffee with French vanilla creamer, watch "Live! With Kelly" and then go on about my day’s agenda (whatever that may be). At night, I get ready for bed, watch "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and go to sleep. This schedule does not often vary. My life, as it is, is comfortable. I am “happy” in my comfortable little bubble, or so I think I am.

Like many people, when asked to step outside my comfort zone, I become very apprehensive. Even something as simple as going out with my close friends sometimes makes me feel, well, uncomfortable. I find myself becoming overwhelmed with anxiety and immediately looking for any excuse to not go. I haven’t been able to figure out exactly why I do this, but I know I am not alone. It seems to be a natural response for me. Recently, I have begun to realize just how many of life’s precious experiences I am missing out on because of this anxiety and apprehension. To think that I am not making the most out of the opportunities my life has presented to me is heartbreaking, but it is the reality of not pushing myself out of my normal routine.

Upon being asked to join the Cameron University team of Content Creators for Odyssey, I quickly blew it off and turned it down. My excuses at the time were: “I’m way too busy with work and classes,” “I wouldn’t be able to create good enough content” and “Nobody will care about what I write anyway.” I immediately turned this opportunity down before even researching more about it. It is something I am not used to doing; therefore, I rashly decided that it wasn’t for me. Luckily, I was able to realize what I was doing. I love writing and sharing my thoughts and experiences. Odyssey is the perfect platform for this. I would be crazy to decline this opportunity.

My decision to join CU’s Odyssey team has been an eye-opening experience. It made me think about just how often I build up the walls surrounding my comfort bubble, shielding myself from new experiences and opportunities. The truth of the matter is that stepping out of our comfort zones makes us feel vulnerable. Personally, I do not know anyone who particularly likes the feeling of vulnerability. It is difficult. It makes us feel uncomfortable. In fact, writing this article sparks anxiety inside of me. Publishing my work for others to see makes me feel vulnerable, and it is scary. But this is a step in pushing myself out of my comfortable little circle. Although it may be frightening, stepping outside of our comfort zones into the world of opportunity is truly the only way we will be able to live our lives to the fullest. We shouldn’t limit our dreams because of our fears. Fear of the unknown is very real, but we can not let it dictate our lives. Trust me, I know this is easier said than done. I am challenging myself and anyone reading this to just say yes more! Agree to step out of your world of familiarity. Take chances in life! Although it may be scary and awkward, it should be a risk we are willing to at least take a shot at.