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C is for comfort zone

The comfort zone.
I can't pass a day without seeing a quote or meme or picture about getting out of the comfort zone. They say that all the magical things happen out of your comfort zone, that you'll only start living once you go out of that zone.

However I believe that if it was that bad, or without life or magic why would it be a “ comfort” zone? If getting out of it means compromising your comfort why would it be so celebrated?

I love my comfort, and staying in my room entertaining myself is my favorite pastime. However, once in a while I make the effort, to go out of my room and see the world and people.

In the past few months, I have taken various steps to try out new things, namely getting out of the so called “comfort zone”. On my second day in college, I decided to go to an international student meet up. I didn't know where we were supposed to meet from, or any of the people we were meeting with. It turned out to be one of the best evening during orientation, and as a plus: I got lost for the first time.

I took my first dance class- salsa. I almost cancelled my registration last minute, but it would have been my worst mistake in a long series of mistakes I have done so far- like unbraiding my hair after two weeks. The class is one of the highlight of my day, and it made me realize that maybe I'm not such a terrible dancer.

I registered for a training with e33, a student run organization that does lighting. I got my first job out of it. It's mesmerising, seeing all the lightsy stuff come to life. However it is also frightening, especially for someone afraid of heights. On my first shift, we had to build a scaffolding. I declined working on top, so I only handed the materials we needed up. This was until I had to help move a plank from the second to the third level, I felt like dying. Luckily I got back down alive, and I didn't drop the plank down. Despite all that, I really enjoyed my time working with e33 people, and I look forward to the other times I'll work with lights.

Some attempts to try out new things didn't turn out right though. Like the day I tried to go for the orange tours. I had dressed the part and arrived at the venue on time. However I passed by and kept walking, for it didn't feel right. It was midnight and I just kept walking taking in the views until 1:00 am in the morning.

There are multiple events I have registered that I don't know how they'll turn out. Sometimes I just click the submit button just so I don't get cold feet and give up. Other times, I change my direction right at the front of where stuff are happening. This is all part of learning, testing the waters. There are many things I wouldn't have learned if I had just done what felt comfortable and right. However, we have to admit that there is darkness, and failure and frightening demons outside the comfort zone. These are waters we need to navigate carefully so as to get out of it whole. 

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