The Power of Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

I am continuously striving to help students develop confidence in themselves as learners and people. Showing them that stepping towards new experiences provides the chance to grow and foster deeper connections with others. Always hoping for blue skies and calm waters.

My educational journey started because I jumped out of my comfort zone. It molded my why. I always value the chance to authentically explain my why to my students and I recently shared this experience with my school community.

In the fall of 2010, I began my last year of college and had absolutely zero clue what was next or what I was going to do. Following graduation from college, I chose to partake in a four month outdoor leadership course through the Patagonian region of Chile.

I wanted to stretch my comfort zone and challenge myself. I was amazed to find how much growth occurs when we step into these experiences and the deep connections we build with others.

My mind was racing on the plane ride to Patagonia. Upon arrival, I could see snow covered mountains off in the distance. Worry and isolation began to set in.

I thought, “What am I doing here?”

I did not sleep that first night. The next morning the pit and isolation began to fill with fear. I arrived at the base camp to meet my crew for the expedition. The next few days focused on emergency training, gear packing, and food rationing. I hardly slept at all. Everyone was a stranger. Fear consumed me. Deep, dark, unrelenting fear. My mind spiraled over those few days. There was no way I could go on with this trip. I had to head back home and do something more in my comfort zone. I had to find a way out.

I didn’t know what to do. Everyone else seemed so excited, but I was screaming and terrified on the inside. I didn’t know how to deal with the fear and anxiety I was experiencing. It was the fear of the unknown. The fear of risk. Perhaps, the subconscious fear of the transformation to come.

The day before we were to depart on the expedition, I pulled out my phone and called my dad. He was surprised to hear from me and I broke down hysterically crying on the phone.

“I can’t do this. I have to come home."

My dad responded after a long pause, “I’m sorry, son. You can do this. You have to jump into this experience. And you’re not coming home.” CLICK.

I took a deep breath and looked at the snow peaked mountains in the distance. I was on the ledge alone. My only option was to jump into the experience.

I finally let go of my fear and was filled with an intense energy of excitement.

Another crew member and still a dear friend said, “When we return to base camp at the end of this journey, we won’t be the same people."

We both looked at each other and knew exactly what he meant. We were on the cusp of some sort of inner transformation. Neither of us knew the vast depth of how impactful that transformation would be.

The anxiety and fear were completely gone. It was filled with the natural world and the journey itself.

I wish I could translate what transpired over this journey through Patagonia. I wish I could fully articulate the transformation that occurred. During my experience, so many things fell into place. I gained a greater understanding of who I was and what I valued. I realized the importance of deep human connections. I was able to step back and reflect in a whole new light. It provided clarity for where I wanted the journey of my life to go. I knew I wanted to help others and leave a lasting impact on this world. I knew a new journey was about to begin with a career in education.

I returned home on top of the world. The highest moment of my life up to that point and I felt ready to conquer the world. Two weeks after I arrived home though, my mom passed away early on Christmas morning. Within seconds I went from the highest high to the lowest low.

After some time, my new skills kicked in. The skills I learned from stepping out of my comfort zone towards a challenging experience. The ability to assess, to process, how to trudge forward safely in a storm, and how to overcome adversity.

The storm eventually passed. Blue skies and calm waters returned. Soon after, I began my journey into becoming a teacher.

This whole experience has shaped my educational journey and formed my WHY.

The nervousness associated with stepping out of our comfort zone never goes away. Being nervous is an excellent reminder that we are pursuing something we’re passionate about. There is tremendous power in jumping out of our comfort zone. Fully jump into these opportunities!

#BlueSkiesEdu