Dear Comfort Zone,

Thanks for always being there, but it’s time for me to grow.

You see, I used to be here -- a little spec, in my own little comfort circle.

But now, I live in a new circle. The circle where all the magic happens.

I challenged my comfort zone when I applied to colleges out of state. Of course, I was nervous and afraid of the unknown -- but there was this spark in me. A spark of excitement. Because I knew a new journey would start. I was trying something different. I was trying something new.

Leaving my comfort zone was a tough decision, because inside my comfort zone was my everyday routine, my world and my best friends: my mom and dad.

The day I saw the “Welcome to Colorado” sign.

The day I stepped in the dorms; the day I entered a new circle, the place I would soon call home, I broke free of my little comfort zone.

I never thought I would leave my warm, desert life comfort zone for a cold, forest zone.

It’s not the best feeling at first, stepping outside that zone of yours, but let me tell you something, when you step out of your comfort zone, you will learn, you will grow, and you will transform.

It doesn’t start right away. When I started college in a new place, I couldn’t help but feel anxious, nervous, stressed and left over homesickness. I missed my comfort zone like a caterpillar misses its comfy cocoon.

However,the caterpillar’s gotta leave its cocoon someday, right?

I knew staying in my cocoon would mean missing out on new experiences. I wouldn’t learn to face new challenges or risks. I wouldn’t see the bigger picture of life.

I would never see the bigger picture of my life.

What held me back at first was my personal thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. However, I learned to challenge my personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs by venturing outside my familiar world.

I never thought I would knit or even see myself knitting, I never thought I would zipline or that I could camp out in the wilderness for a week. I never thought I could stay up late and take road trips with friends, or even that I would try snowboarding. I never thought I would embrace an outdoor activity (especially the snow)!

However, these experiences may be small and simple, but to me they are stepping stones to trying and learning more things. These stepping stones lead you to expand your skills and self-knowledge.

I’ve learned to ignore my doubts and fears and just try! If I had stayed and listened to my comfort zone, I would have probably never gone out of state, tried out for a musical, joined new clubs, attended fun school events, or heck, even written about this!

What also pulled me back was my fear of change. I was so used to being around my parents, I was used to my routine, I was used to being stuck in my own world. I never wanted change.

But there's something amazing and rewarding about change. Change builds your character and challenges you. Change helped me become the person I am today.

I challenge you to break free of your comfort zone.

It may take time; it may start out small. But little by little you will learn and you will grow.

So try something. Even if it means trying new food, joining a club or switching up your routine.

Because when you look back on all those experiences, you wont miss your comfort zone.

Life is out there -- go live it!