Two weeks ago, I took a solo drive to visit my online buddy and fellow writer Bridget Chicoine, who lives more than 100 miles south of my home in Michigan. For many of you, that might not sound like a big deal, but as you'd learn by reading my recent post on my American Nomad blog, this was a huge deal for me. In truth, I was terrified of driving as a teenager, so much so that I didn't get my driver's license until I was 22 years old. Since then, I haven't driven nearly as often as I should, so now, at the age of 34, I've finally made driving a priority. As part of my “training,” I typically drive at least one way on any trip that Dan and I take, whether we're driving one mile to pick up groceries or more than 70 miles to see a movie – but making a 210-mile, round-trip journey by myself was a first for me... and I've never felt more liberated.So, when have you ever ventured out of your comfort zone... and more importantly, how did it feel?
6 comments:
Long time, no talk. Your post surprised me some. Figured you were a pro driver (and if not, given your adventurous nature, figured you were pretty close to fearless).
Lots of things are out of my comfort zone... the one that really gets me trembling is public speaking. Luckily, haven't had to do that since high school. Enunciate, project, remember words -- it's too much.
Laura, There is nothing like venturing out--and succeeding--to make you feel, well, unstoppable! I'm so glad you took the drive. It was such a pleasure to finally meet you!
Me? everytime I post something on my blog I venture out of my comfort zone...it's that paint/pleasure mixture, I guess ;)
Hi, Josh! Long time, no talk indeed.
Yes, I figured this post would surprise some folks. In other realms, I can be quite adventurous - public speaking, for instance, has never bothered me. Although it's not quite the same as giving a long speech, I love, for example, introducing the films and leading the post-screening Q&A sessions at the film fests that my hubby and I run. Of course, it probably helps that I did a lot of theater in high school - and was a morning anchor for my school's TV station.
Driving, however, has always been my Achilles heel - I can't explain it, except to say that I feel the enormous responsibility of driving a car and live in terror that I'll hurt someone while on the road. Luckily, I'm slowly overcoming it.
I hope that, someday, you'll overcome your own discomfort with public speaking!
Bridget, I agree wholeheartedly! I'm not sure that I feel unstoppable after my drive, but I certainly feel stronger than I did before venturing out... and I, too, am delighted that I finally got to meet you in person. :-)
As for your comfort zone, yes, I know that you took a big step in blogging, but you do it so wonderfully. Your honesty is an inspiration for others (including me)!
P.S. By the way, did you mean to say a "paint/pleasure mixture" - or was that just the Freudian slip of an artist? ;-)
Wow! Since my hubby travels a great deal, I not only have traveled alone, but alone with my 2 boys (even as babies). Let's see... I'd say that living near a Native American Indian reservation, that I've ventured out of my comfort zone quite a few times to attend pow wows and other events there.
I know, Becky. It's hard for many people to accept my driving phobia, but as I said, I'm slowly overcoming it. Better late than never, right?
If I'd had children, I probably would've overcome it sooner - simply out of necessity - but unfortunately, when it comes to driving, it's become too easy to rely on the hubby. :-(
As for your Native American experiences, it's funny. Attending powwows wouldn't be discomforting me for me at all. Perhaps that's due to my vision quest experiences as a teenager - and my lifelong passion for Native American cultures. Guess it just goes to show you how different we all are when it comes to our interests and misgivings. Variety really IS the spice of life!
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