We are creatures of comfort. It's easy to get stuck in a little bubble and never experience anything outside of it.

I'm guilty of it. We're all guilty of it. It's as simple as ordering your favorite drink from Starbucks every time you go, getting that particular meal from the restaurant down the street, or vacationing at the same place every single year.

I mean, I get it. Why would we choose the difficult route when the easy route is right here. Why would we try something new if we know what we like?

I am the kind of person that thrives on routine and structure, so I had this mindset for a long time. I would hardly stray out of my comfort zone and never realized what I was missing out on.

Lately, I've started trying to do more things that get me out of my comfort zone and challenge me. One of the biggest steps I've taken is doing a summer session abroad in Rome, Italy (where I am writing this, right now). I didn't know anyone going on the program so it was extremely intimidating to fly halfway across the world by myself.

I'm in a city with unfamiliar language, navigation, and culture. I have to pull out a map to get anywhere, decipher the Italian on products at the store, and try to communicate with locals. I also do this without the assistance of a phone to look everything up because I'm reserving data for emergencies. (I use wifi to talk to my family at home.)

It has been a quite a challenge, but it has also been extremely rewarding. I already feel like a more open and receptive person, and am willing to try new things.

By opening myself up to new things and getting out of my comfort zone, I am allowing the people and the world around me to teach me and help me grow.

If you never try new things or open yourself up to new experiences, you're going to stay the same person. You will never discover new things that you like to eat, wear, or go.

So take a trip somewhere you've never gone. Buy the dress you don't think you can pull off. Try a crazy dish at a new restaurant. Wear the bold lipstick. Get the edgy haircut. At the end of the day, most of it is trivial anyway.

Nothing lasts forever and life is way too short not to put yourself out there. So, get out of your comfort zone more.