2016 has been a year of firsts for me- first year managing my anxiety, first time modeling in front of a camera, first time writing for a fashion blog, first time in a major leadership role, first internship, first time in a fashion show, and the first year that I have felt comfortable in my own skin. Most of these firsts are experiences that are way out of my comfort zone, which I tend to stay firmly within; but this year I wanted that to change!
I was tired of doing the same boring things all the time while daydreaming of how cool it would be to do something different. I wasn't going to get there by being too scared to try something new, so I vowed to push myself outside of my comfort zone at least once per day, even if that meant just socializing with someone new! Besides having a much higher quality of life, I also learned some incredibly valuable life lessons.
1. It's supposed to be uncomfortable.
There's a reason we like staying in our comfort zone... it's comfortable. I knew doing things outside of that zone would be a little weird, but I really underestimated just how out of place I would feel. The feelings of discomfort go away eventually as whatever activity you are doing becomes natural, but it's definitely a process.
2. You will learn a lot about yourself.
I thought I knew myself, what I wanted, and what I was about until I vowed to leave my comfort zone in 2016. I was so wrong. I feel like a completely different person now, and it's awesome! I have learned how I handle different situations, good and bad; what I like and dislike, and what kind of person I am, and who I want to be.
3. You'll make tons of friends!
I'm sort of a loner, but also a social butterfly- weird, right? I love socializing with people but hate when things progress past simple acquaintanceship. I figured out that this was simply because I had never found someone I could truly relate to, you know, girl-to-girl. Since joining a fashion blog, I've started opening myself up to some awesome ladies, and it's been a blast! Having common interests and goals can really go a long way.
4. You will change a lot.
Just like I mentioned in the second point, I am not even close to being the same person I was last year. I like totally different things, hang out with different people, and have a different view of the world. That being said, I'm also more comfortable and happy than I have been, well, ever.
5. You will appreciate "me time" so much more!
Pushing myself to try new things has been a blast, but it has also been exhausting. Sometimes the stress and excitement of doing something new can wear you out, so just hanging out with yourself will become your new go-to when you need to recharge. You won't feel bored or pressured to go out and do something, you'll simply relish in the peace and quiet that your own company brings.
These things may not seem like much but they really do make a difference! By just pushing myself a little more every day to do something new I've become someone I am proud of! I do things that make me very uncomfortable, but in the long run it is so worth it! I'm a brand new person, but I'm a person who is comfortable in her own skin, who can say she isn't doing the same old things every day, and who knows herself better than anyone else.