I'm sure we have all heard the saying, "life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I've heard it over and over again but I never truly "heard" it, if you know what I mean. I've always been one to play it safe. I like to blend in and I am not a very adventurous person. I avoid awkward situations like the plague and I hate public speaking with a passion. This all changed drastically when I made a very important decision. I made a promise to myself that I would actively try and get out of my comfort zone.

Stepping out of my comfort zone has taught me a lot about myself. Fear is what keeps most people in their comfort zones. They feel safe in their routine and it is hard to break this habit. Most people ask themselves, "Why should I do something I am not comfortable doing?" or "Why should I take a risk when I know the outcome of my normal routine?".

I asked myself that too but then I decided it was time to try something new.

It was time to expand my horizons and learn about who I truly am.

It was time to test my limits and grow as a person.

I was not going to let fear hold me back anymore. I would not let the fear of getting a wrong answer stop my from answering a question. I would not let the fear of being rejected keep me from going on dates or getting to know a new guy. I would not let the fear of seeming awkward or weird keep me from starting conversations with people I did not know on campus. I would not let the fear of the unknown stop me from taking on new opportunities in life. I would not let my nerves get the best of me anymore.

I wholeheartedly believe the saying "life beings at the end of your comfort zone" now. You cannot expect your life to change if you continue to live it the same way. You can't grow or learn new things if you don't try. Most importantly you need to take charge of your life and try new things. You will learn more about yourself and do things you never thought you were capable of.