Break Out of Your Comfort Zone — How It Can Seriously Change Your Life and Why You Should Start Now

Living through the pandemic obviously is nowhere near easy. For some people in some parts of the world, it may be way worse. Endless talks about mortality and emergencies almost feel like someone is lighting our butt on fire on purpose. While it makes us weep half of the time, the other half allows us to look for the alternatives in order to keep our sanity.

We, humans, have innate instincts to constantly move forward due to our ability to observe, analyze, and construct multiple potential scenarios. All of us have been in rock bottom and I bet we all looked for other ways to cope, to get back up, to make the most out of anything that was given onto our hands. Hence, the countless trial-and-errors, the successes, the laughs, and the cries, even the silent screams we do every once in a while.

Cut Ties with My Old Self

Let me tell you a story about an aspiring author having an early quarter life crisis. Or should we call it one-fifth life crisis? (I was 20 when all this revelation came upon me. Am I late, or too early? Whatever.)

I have always been a scared kid, especially about who I really am and the possibility of people leaving me behind. It got worse over the years, to the point where I unconsciously sabotage myself; taking myself down a notch so I would be just enough to look at, but not bright enough to look at. I did that so I would not get in anyone's way, so much so they would stay. I never really looked inside and see what it is I was really good at or things I enjoyed doing. Whatever potential I had within me, I left them buried. I let myself believe that I had nothing to be proud of, that I was nothing but a mere flick of dust.

But then the same few questions rise up repeatedly. I was never truly happy. I did not give myself a chance. I created dark clouds until I could not see the sun. All that, I did by myself. I inflict pain upon myself. That was stupid. But to wonder why I kept on falling into the same dark pit over and over again, while deep down knowing I sabotaged myself? That is another level of foolishness.

Then I realized that I literally could not reach what I had always wanted (hell, even what everyone has always wanted); that is to be happy and free. It might sound cheesy because so many people preach the saying "Just be yourself" too many times. But has this thought ever occured to you - that the phrase is too popular because it IS true?

I knew by then that I would never be truly happy if I did not start taking care of me, instead of constantly pleasing everyone else. So I started to look for new paths to happiness by asking these questions:

• What is it that I want to do in life?

• How do I want to be remembered when I am gone?

• What keeps me from pursuing this particular task? What is the underlying fear?

• If today is my last day, what is the thing I would regret not doing?

• Do I truly belong in this circle of friends? Or am I only staying because I have no other choice, aside from the comfort of familiarity?

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

With that being said, I breached into new realm of hobbies and passions. I had always thought I would be a clinical psychologist, diagnosing and treating people. But then as I looked deeper into myself, I thought why not try other ways of helping people, ones that suit me better? Then, I finally figured that I want to educate people and raise awareness about predetermined issues large society face nowadays. Those can be done in a fun and engaging way; ones that do not require lectures, instead, reach people with the utmost interest about slices of life stories, through art, literature, and entertainment.

I originally popped this idea after watching The Grinch (2018). Like any other animation movies, the original targeted audience most likely would be children. That's why they use splashes of colors, catchy songs, and comical style of drawing (with big eyes and funny body proportions). But the whole moral lesson that can be derived from these movies are actually crucial to child development, might as well affect them into youth and adulthood.

That was the start of my journey with Cloud Nine and Tea; poems and lyrics I have written over the past two years; my exchange abroad journey; new hobbies I adopt. But aside from my greater purpose in life, I also enjoy my new hobbies a LOT. I got to learn more about what I do good and how I can vent my emotions in healthier ways.

I tried drawing in different styles, which pictures I attached below.

I gave myself a proper haircut (with curtain bangs and all, which I am REALLY proud of). Sorry, I can't provide the photos yet because I would like to stay anonymous.

I submitted one of my poems into a competition and got into 'Best 50 Love Poems' list.

I applied for a governmental scholarship for an abroad exchange program, got selected along with other 969 students in my country, out of around 2500 applicants.

I got an internship as a content writer, which tasks is to create modules and psychological first aid kit. (OMG I can't emphasize enough that I LOVE this job).

---

But mind you that I also suck at drawing compared to so many other great established artists. My sister said that my doodles have nothing distinguishable about it; that it is just like any other doodles you would find easily on Google. And that is probably true.

I was GREATLY insecure about my wavy hair that would instantly go crazy in humid weather. I would straighten it out every single day to the point it felt like touching weed grass.

I had to process dozens of heartbreaks, betrayals, and traumas in order to put it into beautiful words.

My exchange program got postponed due to the pandemic and I had to rush all process regarding my thesis, while seeing my friends arrived in their respective host countries.

I panicked and bawled my eyes out several times because I think pursuing career as a writer would not be easy. And there is a huge weight on my shoulders about my financial state as well. Talk about adding things onto my plate.

Then Why Do It If Nothing's Guaranteed?

Because you've got to explore! I seriously cannot stress enough about how important it is to go outside your comfort zone. The more you try things, the more you learn about yourself. You are not guaranteed of success, indeed, but you are guaranteed of experiences worthy of reminiscence later in the future. You will learn what you are good at, what you are not good at, what suits you, and also what does not. You would look back and somehow all the pieces fit together. With each new adventure you embark on, you are one step closer to your maximum potential, to the actualized you.

So, get up now! Make your bed up, grab that note (or your phone, it is up to you really), and start planning your bright future. You are bound to face failures (we all are), but that's the only way you would be able to taste success. Chase that dream and chase that success you have been thinking about while reading through this article.

---

Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave comment down below on how you relate to this post and also how I can do better :)