Oh Oh Oh dear readers, life has been a buzz buzz of busy! So I'm top-of-mind writing today with some recent examples of why life is buzzing and about moving out of my very comfortable comfort zone.

First, with seven others who are near and dear to me, I'm fresh off the plane from Thailand! We spent two weeks sailing on a catamaran through the south islands off of Phuket. So exotic! The islands looked and felt like we had slipped into a movie. Something like Jurassic Park or the Land of the Lost. It's not surprising that lots of movies have been filmed in the area. Like almost everywhere we travel, the people of Thailand were warm and gracious and the highlight of the trip. The part where I stepped way out of my personal comfort zone was the getting there! It was the farthest we had ever traveled, not direct, with layovers, changed airlines and just my guy and me as we were meeting the rest of our team (pictured together in the photo as we got ready to sail away) who were already there. I was a frazzled worrying elf about it all and, of course. . . It all went butter smooth. Each flight went off without a hitch, though in Hong Kong we came in at gate 36 and went out at gate 524! Nothing like getting your steps in. Zowie!

Next on my commitment to trying new things, I signed up to volunteer at a local organization dedicated to raising funds to provide new clothes to local school children in need. A great cause. In truth, I've been a pretty non-generous volunteer. I happily donate dollars but have been quite Ebenezer about donating my time. So, with encouragement from a long-time friend, I plunged in. And wouldn't you know. . . I love it! I'm learning new things, meeting lovely generous women and getting to help with a great cause. A solid D on me for not trying earlier at least a B+ for getting out of my own way and giving it my best efforts now.

Moving along, for most this would be nothing, but after waaaaay too long, I went to the dentist. My insurance changed and while I have never been good about going to the dentist, having to go to a new dentist just was more than I could make myself do. But, like these other things, the fretting and worrying was all on me. My new dentist is both skilled and personable - and patient! Plus, like all things these days, dentistry technology has greatly advanced and all that I falsely feared is long past. My visits (alas with an s on the end since I waited long enough to need a crown much like the royalty I am 🙂) have been fast and as good as they can possibly be for being at the dentist. Open wide to eat your soft piece of humble pie, Jingle.

Lastly, an example of trying something new that was a bit less, well, smooth. Months ago, I joined a Facebook group about connecting women with other women in the area and they plan fun things. I've planned to go and for one reason or another, truthfully, some where I've been unavailable and some where I could have been available but worried myself out of going. Finally, right after I went to the dentist, in fact, when I had my brave girl pants on, I joined the group for tacos. They were all quite nice and . . . quite familiar with one another. Nobody really noticed I was there while I sat in the middle of them all. For assorted reasons, I definitely didn't fit. Maybe I'll try again and maybe I won't but, hey, I went! I set a goal to try it out and, who knows, I might have met a new friend or another writer or someone with big stories to tell. And it gave me a fun story of my own to tell so there is that.

I have some additional "comfort zone stretches" coming up: I'm going to a writing conference next week that involves small group work and I'm having lunch with a relatively new acquaintance who also loves to write. I'm excited about both.

So, c'mon, I know at least some of you are spending too much time in the comfortable box you've defined for yourself. I get it and there are lots of gifts to be found kicking back and relishing the gifts in each day. But, if you, like me, have been thinking about trying some new things then use this as one of the signs that now is the time. There are new learnings - and great stories - to be had in the stretching! 

Go Go Go! - Jingle