Discomfort Zone (When "Ouch" is Ok)
My hubby, Joey, and I have opposing personalities. He is bold and full of faith, ready to take on big challenges. I, on the other hand, sometimes suffer from “Analysis Paralysis”. I take a long time to make a decision. I am afraid of failure, hence, I overthink things to death. For a long time, my favorite quotes were from the book of Hesitation; until I realized, there was no such book in the Bible!
Several years ago, Kristie (who was then my son Joshua’s girlfriend), told me about a Zumba class. I’ve never been to one, yet it sounded interesting. I didn’t like gym machines, but I enjoyed dancing. So dancing as a form of exercise sounded like a great idea. Plus, I thought—and this is a tip for you mothers out there—this would be a perfect “getting-to-know-you-more” opportunity for me and my son’s girlfriend! (By the way, she is now my dear daughter-in-law, so I guess we are really “bonded” for life! : >)
So wanting to break out of my usual hesitant, knee-jerk reaction, I readily said “YES!” and signed up. Little did I know that I had actually signed up for an “INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CLASS” for two whole days, with a two-hour event after. Saturday comes, and I find myself in the midst of buffed, biceped, triceped, exercise buffs dressed in the latest trainers, dri-fit gear, and spandex.
We all had to introduce ourselves, and their list of expertise in the fitness world grew longer. What in the world was I doing here??? This is what I get for stepping out of my comfort zone?!? My turn came, and as every toned head and muscle group swiveled to my direction, I took a deep breath, put on a big smile, and said:
“Hi! My name is Marie, and I’m in my 50’s! I’m a homemaker, a mom of 3 sons, and I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to be fit and healthy!”
Then we all had to group ourselves. (I was so glad that a bunch of merciful hearts took me in!) I survived the three-hour morning class, then came our lunchbreak. On the pretext of having “other things to attend to”, I skipped joining the group for lunch, and went in my car. With all my remaining strength, I took out my shoes, lifted my weary legs horizontally, and said a prayer for my 10 toes which felt like they had just died.
I dragged myself back for the 3-hour afternoon sessions (which thankfully had lectures in between), and hid my quivering muscles beneath my big smile. That evening, as Joey saw my red, sweaty face enter our front door, I warned him, “Do not even think about cracking a joke! “
Waking up the next day, I thought “God, why is it SO hard to step out of my comfort zone! Why did I even agree to do this??” Despite my feelings, I drove my weary body back for another day of training.
Secret # 1: Stepping out of your “Comfort Zone” isn’t easy, but it will be worth it.
Although, I felt way out of my league, something inside me told me to persevere, and not give up. I finished the whole course and got my Certificate! In my 50’s, I became part of the first batch of Zumba Instructor Trainings ever done in the Philippines!
Stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t easy. Fear of failure, worries of what people might think, anxiety over what the future could hold…these are “weights” that hold us back from exploring new horizons and new adventures. But ever since that experience, I have become fitter. (I never stepped into a gym until I was in my 40s, so exercise was definitely NOT a habit I grew up with.)
I don’t teach a class anymore, but I consistently attended one. I have been enriched not just health-wise, but also in relationships through new and precious friends whom I wouldn’t have met otherwise. God opened a door for me, a very strange door; but I’m glad I walked in it.
Secret #2: “Heavenly Father, I agree.”
This has been my daily morning prayer. “Heavenly Father, I agree.”
Instead of deciding what to do based on what looks “safe”, “convenient”, or “comfortable” for me, I have chosen to say, “Lord, I agree with Your plans for my life. Let it be done today, according to Your will.”
I realize that yes, I still have my comfort zones, but I’m also realising that (with great delight) every zone is safe with God.
I am his child. My Father has plans for me. He has plans for you too : >
For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13"
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