This Janterm, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, and it was HARD. I lived with a host family for three weeks and went to Spanish class all morning. Over the course of three weeks, I had some incredibly fun times, but time and time again, I was pushed out of my comfort zone. This experience taught me many lessons on how to be flexible and make the best of a situation that was scary and unlike anything I had ever done before. Here are just a few of the lessons I learned when I was pushed out of my comfort zone.
1. Be flexible.
I am not one who is naturally inclined to go with the flow. I like to have a plan and follow it. In Costa Rica, there were times that plans were changed, and had to go along with those changes. Sometimes, we weren't able to make plans--we just had to show up and roll with the punches.
2. Appreciate the differences.
When I first got to Costa Rica, I freaked out because the way of living in Santa Ana was so different than the way I was used to living in Nashville, TN. However, I had to grow to appreciate the differences in customs.
3. Laugh at yourself.
There were so many times when I absolutely botched my Spanish or found myself in really strange circumstances. Rather than getting frustrated at myself or at my circumstances, I realized that I just had to laugh it off. Taking myself too seriously would only make it harder for me to enjoy the trip.
4. Ask for help.
When you're in an unfamiliar place, it's easy to find yourself unsure of what exactly is going on. Reaching out to other people and asking questions is the only way to survive. I found myself texting my friend Laura almost every morning and night asking various questions.
5. Take a deep breath.
Somedays, it felt overwhelming to be so far out of my comfort zone. At times, I didn't know what to do or say. I had to remind myself to take a deep breath. And then another one. There was no use in my getting frustrated or flustered.
Getting outside of my comfort zone was a great way to start the new year. I am thankful to be back state-side, but I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and experience a different culture.
