Growing up, I was shy. Painfully shy. I was scared to say "hello" or "thank you" or shake someone's hand or even look them in the eye. I did not want to be noticed or acknowledged. I saw how my friends seemed to talk all the time, to everybody. Everyone knew them. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of that ability.
It wasn't until I got older though, nearly to junior high, when teachers began to make us do speeches in front of the class. While the other kids complained and worried, I have to admit, I was a little excited. After nearly seven years of saying almost nothing in class unless I was called on (or, admittedly, angry), I was ready to show people my voice.
It was tough and down right scary, at first, to stand up in front of the class and talk about something. But I really did love it. I loved the attention and the adrenaline of pushing myself to do something that scared me. I realized it wasn't really all that hard to speak in front of a group either. I started setting goals for myself, do it with minimal and then no notes, volunteer to go first, be more engaging.
By the time I got to high school, though I was still pretty shy, I'd come out of my shell a lot. So I decided to take another step out of the comfort zone. I began going on trips with the school and clubs I was in. This may not seem like a big deal to most, but to me, a girl who'd never really been away from her parents, it was a major step. It also forced me to actually speak to and deal with people.
I also started entering competitions with clubs I was in which required me to speak in front of a panel of judges - and to also work in a team. This pushed me even further out of my comfort zone, but I loved it. I began using my old junior high trick of setting goals for myself. Have a firm handshake, speak clearly, make eye contact.
The goal setting carried over into my out of school life as well. Make eye contact and smile at everyone you see, always say yes ma'am/sir and no ma'am/sir.
By the time senior year rolled around, I was the girl who excitedly gave speeches to campaign for student body office, and who spoke at all the graduation festivities.
Thinking back, I realized how far I had truly come from being that shy little girl who prayed that no one noticed her or acknowledged her. I realized how much I had to say to the world and how badly I wanted to be noticed and acknowledged.
Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether it's to no longer be shy or to travel or try food you'd never tried before, is tiring. It takes your energy and there are days when you'd just rather climb back into your cozy little shell and forget about it. But there are amazing people out there just waiting for you to say hello, and beautiful places you can't see from the window of your bedroom, and really really good food.
So, step our of your comfort zone and allow yourself to experience what life has to offer.
It is oh so worth it.
