IMD's and Comfort Zones

The first weekend in June, I actually got to do something that was on my IMD (In My Dreams) list AND was out of my Comfort Zone.

If you've read my previous blog posts, you'll remember I spoke about waiting in a store to get a signed book for a friend and speaking with the person next to me. We both talked about how we'd like to "someday" write a book. We talked about actually planning it one day and the other person said, "IMD - In my dreams!"

My most recent blog entry was on Comfort Zones becoming danger zones and how we need to step out of them.

The first weekend in June, I flew to a town I've never been to, where I didn't know a soul and, once there, had no way to get around. "Why would you do that?" you may ask. Well...I had the most amazing opportunity to attend a writer's workshop given by someone whom I respect greatly and whose writing and speaking has made a difference in my life. This workshop was just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Although, I'd never been there, and wouldn't know anyone, when the idea presented itself, I just couldn't stop thinking about it.

Have you ever had an opportunity to do something that sounded exciting to you, but you'd have to stretch yourself to take advantage of it? That's what this was like. When I first heard about it, I said to myself "Are you crazy? You don't know anyone there. What would you do once you got there?" (I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has reacted that way when thinking about trying something new, right?) The more I thought about it, the more excited I got about it. I made the reservations for the workshop, flight and hotel. The excitement of looking forward to the workshop far outweighed the discomfort of the unknown!

The day of my adventure, I could barely contain myself! Everything from getting on the plane, to arriving in Nashville to see someone holding a sign with my name on it, to being driven directly to my hotel where I had a room on the top floor, was amazing! I had the whole evening to myself. The hotel had dinner available and, afterward, I could go back to my room and watch any TV channel I wanted to, or I could just read...or do nothing. Sometimes just having the time to simply do nothing, is a gift. (I know the moms out there can relate).

I was able to connect with one of the other workshop attendees before the workshop. Since she was driving to the workshop, she graciously offered to take anyone to the workshop who did not already have a ride. She and a friend were arriving late the same night and staying in the same hotel. The next day, they invited me to come along on their planned sight-seeing adventure. I had the BEST time!!!!! We walked around historic Franklin, tried Shrimp and Grits at 55 South and had a cupcake tasting at Ivey Cake.

That night, and the next day, was spent at the writer's workshop. I consider it one of the most valuable investments in my own life. To give wings to a dream that had been "sitting on the nest" for most of my life, awakened a part of me that I thought was long gone. This workshop helped me to find that part of my soul that yearned to create, to express, to feel. I may not have a "flight plan out of the nest" for my writing yet, but I'm certainly training to get my pilot's license!

The last day of my adventure, was just that....an adventure. It turns out that my prearranged ride to the airport didn't show up. Talk about being WAY out of my comfort zone! I'm a planner, by nature, and am much more comfortable if I have things planned ahead of time. I can be spontaneous, but not when it comes to catching an airplane. Yikes! Well, God had it all under control. (Isn't that just like him?). I had been chatting with one of the other workshop attendees while I was waiting for my ride.  She was just checking out and headed home, driving to another state. When she learned of my predicament, she offered to drive me to the airport. Now she wasn't from around the area, but she was willing to drive me there so I could make my flight. We had the chance to get to know each other better during the drive to the airport and found out we have a lot in common. We traded contact information when she dropped me off at the airport, just in time for my flight.  Hooray!

Just think of all the amazing things I would have missed out on if I had not taken that step out of my comfort zone. I had so much fun, received so much inspiration from the workshop, and made new friends all in a weekend's time! The workshop enabled me to get back in touch with my creative soul and gave me the "push out of the nest" that I needed to work toward my dream of writing a book. I met new friends who are taking similar journeys in writing. Most of all, though, I learned that sometimes, taking that step out of a comfort zone can lead to an amazing adventure that might be just what you need.

One of my favorite poets, Robert Frost, wrote a poem that still speaks to me today. "The Road Not Taken" speaks about two pathways through a forest, one well-travelled, one not. The last lines in the stanza read, "Two roads diverged into a wood, and I-   I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference."

Think about your dreams and your comfort zones today. What would you like to do? Are you being held back by your comfort zone? Think about what you could be missing. Think about what it would be like if you tried it. Go for it!

(A side note: If you'd like to find out more information about the "Shaking Your Tree" workshop, I've included a link to the website. I'm SO glad I went!)