Moving out of comfort zones

Tonight I am draining my water bed in preparation of getting a new box spring and mattress style bed. I've had a water bed since 1980 and can count on both hands the number of times since then that I've slept on a regular bed.

Getting rid of my water bed is a huge change in my life, one I never thought I'd see myself make because I absolutely love my water bed!

This change got me thinking back over the last year of my life. I've made some pretty significant changes.

1. I managed to get back to work in a back to work program September 2008 and back on the payroll by December 3, 2008.

2. I took a job in an area of nursing that I've never really enjoyed (Women's Health), and to my surprise found that I liked it.

3. I recently quit my job at a hospital that I've been at for more than 15 years and have taken an entirely new type of nursing job at a different hospital.

4. And now I'm getting rid of my water bed.

These are all very significant changes to me: Changes that would have had me anxiety striken a decade ago. I don't typically like change and I'm known as a creature of habit. These changes have all pushed me beyond my comfort zone. But that's a good thing! Sometimes change is a good thing!

Anyone else finding themselves making voluntary changes in their lives that has pushed them beyond their comfort zone, only for you to find that it was a good thing?

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

Anyone else finding themselves making voluntary changes in their lives that has pushed them beyond their comfort zone, only for you to find that it was a good thing?

Click to expand...

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished with your changes!!

I'm highly dependent on being financially stable, and am about to walk away from a 30 year career in IT at the end of the year. Losing my source of income is scary, but I'm looking forward to simplifying my life to accommodate it. I'm expecting it to be a good thing, as I can think of myself and the things I love in life first, rather than being too beaten down by a career that I no longer have any interest in. Right now the huge weight off my shoulders is a very good thing.

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

Anyone else finding themselves making voluntary changes in their lives that has pushed them beyond their comfort zone, only for you to find that it was a good thing?

Click to expand...

I've had to do a lot of stepping out of my comfort zone in the past year, but I've learned that I'm usually better off for it and it's made me a lot stronger.

1. Leaving an abusive marriage and getting a divorce. I decided that I could stay in a relationship where I would likely wind up abused or worse...OR I could stand up for myself and not tolerate cheating and abuse. I decided to make a new life for myself and move on. I lost literally just about everything (home, $$, security, new suv, dogs,etc) but in return, I've gained more than I could have ever dreamed...new dog, happier life, new career, and when I wasn't even looking, God blessed me with the most amazing man I've ever know. ) I'm definitely SOO much happier! It took a lot of stepping out of my comfort zone to leave that detrimental marriage, but I couldn't be happier! I think everything happens for a reson.

2. Switching careers!! I switched from working as a vet tech and lisenced florist off and on, to starting over from scratch and going back to med school for Respiratory Therapy. I LOVE it!

3. Getting a new puppy-I thought briefly after my divorce I wouldn't ever be able to move on from loosing my beloved dogs...but I rescued the most amazing German Shepherd, Hagan...and he's brought a lot of joy to my life.

4. Walking away from a toxic friendship I've had since I was a little girl (my childhood best friend). It was a really hard choice to make, but I know it was the right one at this point in my life...toxic friendships only bring you down and sometimes no matter how much you try...you can not help someone..they have to help themselves. (and if she's ever ready to do that, i'll be there. for now, i just can't support her bad decisions. it's been tough, but it's the right thing to do)

In the past, I have done a lot of stepping out of my comfort zone. Somehow, being married kind of calms the urge to step out of the comfort zone. I can still think of a few things I did this year that were out of my zone.

1. I got laid off and the parent company provided me with another job which I had to learn. I guess that being laid off is a little like having my comfort zone taken from me instead of stepping out on my own.

2. I went skydiving. I guess it was more like leaping out of my comfort zone, but it made me feel so alive! I think bungee jumping is next.

3. I had foot surgery. I was waaaay more nervous about the surgery than I was about the skydiving - go figure.

Three years ago, after being divorced for over 20 years, I married again. My boyfriend from 38 years ago actually knocked at my door.

I was not looking to get married again. I loved being my own boss, having toast for dinner if I wanted and having the driveway to myself.

The best thing I ever did. We now have 6 kids between us and 14 grandkids. When he broke up with me 42 years ago, he likes to tell me "I didn't say it would be forever".

We met when we were 15 and 17 at a horse stable where we both worked. He was a real cowboy, and my heart skipped a beat when I would see him....it still does.