What Is Your Comfort Zone

Have you heard the expression, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil?” My husband tells me this all the time. Usually it is because I don’t want to call or ask somebody something, and this is his way of encouraging my to get out of my comfort zone. Haha We all have our comfort zone. That little spot we are just cozy and happy. Normally I would be talking about our comfort zone for fashion, and I’ll get around to that later in the post, but right now I am referring to life. Are you settling for what you have, instead of what you want? This could be your refer to a job, friends, love interest, house, or even your attitude.

I am shy by nature. Some would find that hard to believe because I try extremely hard not to let it show. When my children were in high school, they both played basketball for the varsity team. I became the scorekeeper for both of their team when they were in 1st or 2nd grade, and continued this job till they graduated High School. The main reason I took that job, was because I hated walking into a gym, filled with hundreds of people, and trying to find somewhere to sit. I of course knew lots of the people there, but I felt uncomfortable going up to sit beside them. As the scorekeeper, I knew exactly where I would be sitting. How lame is that? My point is, I do not like to venture out of my comfort zone.

As I have gotten older, and hopefully wiser, I have put myself in situations that expands my comfort radius. As you might imagine, public speaking is not something I am comfortable in doing. So what did I do, I became President of our local woman’s club. If that wasn’t enough, I became the President of the Southwestern District Woman’s Club, and I have even taken on a position in the GFWC Virginia’s Woman’s Club as a State Chairman. I was not trying to get pats on my back, this was just my way of taking things to the next level. While I still don’t like public speaking, I have gotten better.

Yesterday, I mustered up the courage to email a fellow blogger with a proposition. I knew the chances of her saying yes were pretty slim, but I figured all she could say was no. And that is what she said, but she said it very nicely. Haha  While, we all hate rejection, it is sometimes just part of life. If I hadn’t asked, then it definitely wouldn’t have happened, so I really had nothing to lose.

I am sure you are tired of hearing me talk about my wonderful sister, but she is the epitome of what I am talking about. She told me she had been working on writing a book for years. (I never even knew that she had aspirations of being a writer.) She joined a writers group, and they all would talk about each others projects and give their support. One day someone mentioned that if you were going to be successful at writing, you had to treat it like a job, and not just a hobby. So she buckled down and finished the book. That turned out to be the easy part. Next came finding an agent, not an easy task, and a publisher. She stepped out of her comfort zone and sent off letter, after letter, to potential agents. I am sure with each rejection she wondered if her dream would ever become a reality. You just have to trust that the Lord works in his way and in his time. Before long the agent she needed came along, and shortly after that a big name publisher. You will find the link to her book on my sidebar if you are interested in reading it. She is now working on book number two, and this is all because she, say it with me, STEPPED OUTSIDE HER COMFORT ZONE.

Go for it! Just do it! If you don’t try, you never know what you can accomplish. And, by the way, a new window opened with the fellow blogger, so I am letting the fresh air spill in. I have a little something in the works for the future, I’ll let you know when I get everything in place.

Now, about that “fashion” comfort zone. Many of you have commented that you liked an item or a look, but that it was not for you. If that is because it is the wrong color, or wouldn’t fit your body type, then I understand. If it is because you don’t like the look, then I totally get you. However, if it is because you are afraid someone would laugh at you, or say something negative, then get over it. Take the bull by the horns, go for the gusto, you only live once. I can go on and on if you want me to, but I think you get the point. You are limiting yourself because of what others might think. Have you ever heard of Iris Apfel? She has become a certified star because she dances to the beat of her own drum. Some of her looks are a little far-out for me, but she is not dressing for me, she is dressing for her. Here is an article from the Washington Post last year on Iris.This outfit is one that could be on the border line. It is black & white, which is  perfect, but the neckline of the sweater is one that could push the boundary. I bought the sweater at T J Maxx, but it is no longer on their site. Here is a similar one. The last time I wore this sweater, here, I really pushed the envelope. Haha  These white skinny jeans are wonderful, they will be perfect for the upcoming spring and summer months. I like that they are thick enough that you can’t see through them. My criteria for white pants is simple, I don’t want you to see what color of underwear I am wearing, if I am wearing any. LOL!!! Of course, they too are no longer available, but I found this boyfriend version that looks comfortable and stylish, and this skinny version that has a scalloped hem. The leather Ella tote by Vera Bradley was a Valentine’s Day gift, and I love the color for spring. The one I am carrying is bright pink, but the one I tagged is called Plum. I don’t think it is the exact same color, but it is still very pretty. There is a small version and a large version, and also several different colors to choose from. The earrings are a vintage pair that I bought when I was at my sister’s a couple weeks ago. Yard sales will soon be gearing up, so make sure you hit a couple, you never know what you will find.

I hope you enjoyed today post. Leave me a comment about what you like, or dislike, about my blog. I am still in the learning phase, so what would you like to hear about? This blog is for you, so you should have a say. Let’s hear it gurls!!!

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Wednesday’s Linkup will be The Pleated Poppy. Be sure to check her out.