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The Importance of Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

4/23/2022

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Hiya Herd Sis,

I want to talk to you about getting out of your comfort zone.

Sometimes that means learning a new task or skill, going to a party when it’s more comforting to stay home with a good book, or embarking on a new career or creative endeavor.

In this particular case, it’s about, getting out of your surroundings.

Just a few days ago over high tea (When in Rome, People! Or in this case, London.), my eldest turned me to me and said, "Thank you for getting me to go this trip.  I didn't realize how badly I needed to just get away for a bit."  

Sometimes, we are so entrenched in our day-to-day that we don’t realize that we just need a break from it all.  
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I, in turn, thanked her for getting me outside my comfort zone.  It wasn’t an easy decision to allow her to attend college abroad.  I hadn’t flown overseas in over 15 years and admittedly , I was nervous.  I kept having to remind myself that, once upon a time, I did this with ease AND without a smart phone!

This last-minute, against-all-odds trip got us both outside of our environments and comfort zones; something we both desperately needed.  She initially balked due to a looming project and work.  And I nearly canceled due to a sick pet.  

In the days and moments leading up to the decision to go or not, it just seemed easier to each of us to tend to our home needs.  To stay entrenched in our routines.

What changed?  Well, couple of things:
  • I had loads of encouragement and support from my better half.  In fact, he asked me, what do you really want to do?  Without hesitation, I answered, "See my girl."
  • I’m also trying to leap more as its my word of the year.  Honestly, if not now, then when?!  There will always be work.  There will never be an ideal time to just slip away. 
You see, sometimes our comfort zones aren't so comforting.  They are just familiar routines that keep us where we are. 

If we stay where we are, nothing will change and that includes us.  There is no room for growth, opportunities, or awe in our comfort zones.


This trip was a leap out of my comfort zone.  The first of many.

Getting out of dodge not only brought my daughter and I together for a few days, it gave us new perspective and appreciation for taking a break.

Friends, do yourself a favor and give yourselves the break you deserve and need.  You don't have to jump the pond to do it either!
  • Take a mental health day and ask yourself, "What do I want today?"  There are no wrong answers!  Just honor your desires.
  • If you are one to sit at your desk for lunch, take yourself out!  Step away from your desk and piles.  Even if it's just for a walk.
  • Say no to obligations more and say yes to things, people, and activities that bring you joy.

Please share with us in the comments below, all the ways you are getting out of your comfort zone. You know you'll always find all the support you need in the Herd!

Cheers,
Carolyn



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Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion

4/14/2022

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It's finally Spring!  A beautiful but hectic time of year where we tend to say YES to everything because we've been cooped up too darned long.

As women, we tend to take it ALL on.... career, family, home, volunteer work, etc.  And if you are like most women, you likely extend compassion, kindness and loving care to your family friends and colleagues on a regular basis no matter what time of year.  It's no joke how far and continuously we extend our committed, caring selves to our obligations and loved ones.

But let me ask you this: When you experience feelings of insecurity, overwhelm or hurt, do you treat YOURSELF with the same loving care?

If you are like me or most women I know, the answer is no.  But here is why we should: Research indicates that self-compassion reduces depression and anxiety by replacing self-judgment with self-acceptance.  When we soothe and comfort ourselves in the midst difficult emotions and juggling too much, we no longer get lost in the rabbit hole of shame and inadequacy but take refuge in the safety of our own loving care.  We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result.

Say what?

I'll say it again.  We become happier and more satisfied with our lives as a result. 

Self-compassion also empowers us to proactively cope with life's challenges.  Whether we're talking career upsets, divorce, illness or parenting challenges, the big SC provides us with the resilience needed to stand loving and strong without getting overwhelmed. It motivates us to keep going even after major setbacks, building up grit and perseverance in the face of adversity.

It refuels our Soul Tank.

So Ladies, how about we show ourselves some Self-Compassion?

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