We all have our own version of a “comfort zone." Whether it be a certain group of people, a daily routine, or a stable relationship, it’s where we feel the safest. This isn’t a bad thing, clearly. It’s good to have a routine and to feel safe. However, sometimes the fear of leaving what we’re most comfortable with or most used to is what holds us back from things we don’t even know we’re missing out on.

All of us experience different anxieties, especially when it comes to trying new things. Sometimes it’s scary to meet a new group of people or to go somewhere you’ve never been before. But those are also the things that make life so exciting.

There is so much world out there to see, so many people out there to meet. Once you have the people you like and the place you want to be, though, it seems pointless to continue looking. But how do you know you’re not missing out on something better if you don’t at least give it a try? Sticking with routine and comfort can be satisfying, but realistically, how much do you think you’ll grow if you live in the same house your whole life or surround yourself with the same people every single day? Life is about experience; growth is about experience.

You are the only person who has the power to change your life. I know it seems easy to sit back and just exist, but what’s the fun in that? Life is meant to be lived. There is so much to be learned, about the world, about people, even about yourself. From now until the day that we die, we will be learning new things every day. Why limit yourself to the walls of your house or the minds of a select few?

I’m not going to sit here and tell you to jump through rings of fire or go swimming with sharks. Start small. Go to your favorite restaurant and maybe get something different this time. Then next time you go out, try a restaurant you’ve never been to. Little things like that. However, if you’ve always dreamed of going skydiving but the fear of heights has stopped you, conquer that. Go skydiving, it’ll be the rush of a lifetime and I highly doubt you’ll regret it afterward.

One of the most detrimental things I think comfort does to us is keeping us from saying what we feel. You’re comfortable where you are now, so why ruffle any feathers, right?

I don’t believe in that. I am a firm believer in saying what you feel, because, at the end of the day, it’s better to know than to wonder, and it’s better to get things off your chest than to keep them bottled up.

All is well and fine in your comfort zone, but do not restrict yourself and limit your own personal growth. Try something new, strike up conversations strangers, listen to music you usually wouldn’t. There is so much in this world to experience, and we have such a limited amount of time on this Earth to squeeze it all into. Throw your fears away and go out and try something you’ve never done before. If you’re always comfortable, you’re never growing.