Comfort zones have never been a reality until I was alone in a new city. The idea of stepping out of your comfort zone can be insanely scary. I know anytime I'm faced with decisions that could put me in new situations, I freeze up. I make excuses. I don't completely own up to them at face-value because I am afraid of the unknown and being out of control.

I think that's the big thing about comfort zones. You surrender control of the situation and let things play out. I know control is something we all fight for and what we ultimately fight for as a society. If I've learned anything while living on my own going to college, it's that comfort zones are deadly and are out to limit your potential as the best version of yourself. I would not be the person I am if I had not moved four hours away from home, away from family and away from great friends. I had to make a home for myself and obviously, that takes legwork. That legwork takes courage and an intent to follow through and make it work.

I love getting to know new people. But I love getting to know people in places I'm comfortable in. For a class assignment, we had to shoot video with powerful sound and edit it all on our phone. It was definitely difficult, granted I have a BlackBerry (yes, a BlackBerry). So, off I went to a nearby SunRail station to find some vivid sound with a pit in my stomach because of the unknown. I ended up spending an hour waiting for trains to pass through and getting to know the attendants that make the space welcoming for travelers. I don't think I would have been able to do that if I hadn't taken the steps out of my comfort zone previously.

But it after each time, you'll grow more as a person. Each time it'll be easier to push yourself out of your personal walls. Each time doesn't have to be some extravagant "stunt." You could just find the courage to stand up for yourself, you could sign yourself up for something you have been wanting to do for the longest time. I recently signed up for a community orchestra because I missed being a part of something bigger. It was the best decision I made. It hasn't been easy, but I know I'm better for it.

I challenge you to do something scary and step out of your comfort zone each day - big or small. You only have you to thank and you are helping yourself become a better you. We live in an age where it's encouraged to focus on ourselves and often times we think of treating ourselves to face masks or manicures. This can directly impact your soul and what better way to focus on yourself than focusing on what truly makes you the person you are.