Returning back to campus for my fourth semester of college felt easy to me, as I hope it would the fourth time around. I know exactly what I have to do and like to do in everyday life on campus. With a set routine of textbook shopping, a long list of what to bring back to my dorm and knowing who I enjoy hanging out with, coming back is no longer daunting or stressful. I’m comfortable. I know how I like to spend my day and where and when I like to work. Some of you reading this may think that this sounds great, lucky me. But is it good to be set in a routine and in a comfort zone?
When you start college everyone talks about all the opportunities that you will be offered and the experiences that you will have – whether that is late night eating with your roommate because you got hungry at 1am studying or running through the rain on the way class resulting in a very soggy foot. But one thing we all expect from the college experience is that we will learn more about ourselves and leave as young adults with a clearer mind of who we are and what we want. But if we become so set in our routines and comfortable within our daily lives are we allowing ourselves to grow to our full potential?
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
January is that time of year when we look at ourselves a little closer. Every year on the first day the majority of us promise ourselves a new beginning, a fresh start of who we want to be. But how many of us follow that and actually live up to our resolutions if we make them? Resolutions in general are good as they can help us to become better people either by being healthier or kinder to ourselves or others. They can in times help us step out of our comfort zones. For example, if you like watching Netflix every day for a few hours but make a resolution of going to the gym even if you find it intimidating, then you are helping yourself take that step to change, to do something different you’re not used to.
Many of us like our routines and our ways on campus but I know that I can do better, that I can make myself more uncomfortable and try new things. Whether that is joining a new club to meet new students and make new friends or doing community service to help others. This month I am challenging myself to travel somewhere without the comfort of my family for the first time to a new country. It is a big step out of my comfort zone.
I am anxious? Yes.
I am excited? Yes.
Does it make me uncomfortable? Yes.
I am going to do it? Yes!
Should you do something this month that makes you uncomfortable? YES!
When we will feel uncomfortable, we know that a step has been taken out of our comfort zone and that is what will allow and challenge us to grow. Without growth we will get stuck from developing and becoming who we are meant to be or could be.
“A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.”
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay