GETTING OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.

Well, it has definitely been a minute since I have had time to write. I have missed it. Today I will take lesson 6 in my aerial silk class. The pictures below are from my very first class. Yes, it is out of my comfort zone. No I do not look as graceful as my beautiful instructor. No I can not yet do a routine. I am mastering the moves and learning the skills.

I have never hung upside down, never really done flips etc. I lift I do cardio. I wanted to attempt something I had never done. Learn a new skill, overcome the are you crazy I can not do that mentality. I was so excited that I could do this much!

So I wanted to share with you, some of my experience. I thought my first class went very well. It helps that I have a wonderful instructor. Why this class you ask? I needed to find something else to do for just myself. I wanted it to be something that required complete focus and was totally out of my comfort zone. There are so many things that we can not control in this life, but how we respond to the things is in our control.

I needed to be able to forget about work, caregiving etc. My plate is very full and for the 90 minutes I take this class I am completely focused on learning the new skills.

It is painful believe me, I almost quit just because it is not exactly comfortable( imagine that) stepping out of my comfort zone and not wanting to continue because it is not comfortable. Who knew?

I must say though I felt like a warrior princess after my first class. I never dreamed I could do the moves. I mean me upside. I was so thrilled with myself. My second class, hmm not so good, I did not do as well but I kept pushing through. I have learned to eat lighter meals on class days. This helps with the flips and being upside down.

This class is hard work after my first week, I thought oh Lord I have broken a rib. Nope it was an ab I did not know I had. I am glad my teacher is so patient. I have a method lol. She stretches with me before we begin. Then she instructs me on my work for the day. I am apparently a visual learner. So I always have her show me the moves a few times. Then I visualize myself doing it. Then sometimes I do great and other times I struggle, but I carry on I do not quit.

Last week I managed to do a move I had really been struggling with, her excitement is contagious. I love the way she encourages me. It is just a wonderful feeling accomplishing something I did not think I could ever be able to do. I am so glad I did not listen to my own self doubt. I am not trying to toot my own horn. I want to encourage you do step out of your comfort zone.

The benefit of doing so is you can prove to yourself that you can do new things. It is never too late. I am 54 years old my teacher is 67. She will actually be competing next month. She has already placed in her first competition. I have no doubt she will again.

So ask yourself a question? Have you settled for comfort? Are you good with just staying the same day in and day out? Are you afraid to branch out and try something new?

I am constantly having to make adjustment these days. Working full time and taking care of my Mom full time and trying to be and do all the things can get overwhelming. I can stay stuck in a pity party or do something to keep me uplifted and moving on. We are always hardest on ourself. I have to remind my self daily of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I have to be honest, I feel like I am able to make adjustments a bit easier now that I am tackling this class and doing the hard things. I have bruises, but I also have better muscle tone and I am trying to be more flexible. Now that is two fold, you see I am not good at stretching but I am getting better. I am also learning to be a bit more flexible with myself and what I can accomplish in a day.

I will continue lifting and doing my cardio. I love the class and will continue it while I can. Who know one day I may compete. I am not planning on it but you never know maybe I will.

Have you asked yourself the questions yet? Is there something you have always wanted to do but have not? Visualize yourself doing it first. Then take the leap and give it a try. Find someone to learn from and be kind to yourself. Even if you decide it is not for you, you will have learned something new. I think I will tackle learning to swim next.

Be blessed.