Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

I really like my comfort zone, so stepping outside of it takes serious effort and sometimes bribery. A few weeks ago, a new author friend I met at an event invited me to a storytelling event. It was held at the Black Box Theatre KC and the attendees were all very friendly and inviting, without being all up in your face. (That annoys the crap out of this introvert.)

The stories were eclectic, some were touching, some were funny, but all were universally accepted and applauded. Whether or not I would ever want to participate (and I definitely do), just the fact that they have created that kind of environment would have me coming back. I think we need to foster and reward those types of communities wherever we can. There’s far too little of that in this day and age.

Although, if I think about it, I’ve always found that kind of environment in the theatre/artistic scene. (I have a degree in theatre.) I think that because of the level of vulnerability often required in those types of activities, it behooves everyone to create a supportive, inclusive space. And that calls to me.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to try something a little outside of your comfort zone…do it. Chances are you’ll enjoy it more than you think.