Putting Myself Out There – out of the comfort zone again

As I’ve written before my mantra for 2019 is “say yes, be brave”. It’s all to do with “putting myself out there” – to experience life.

This was following on from 2018 when I started to push myself out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought I would (stepping out of your comfort zone).  

Carrying this forward in a small way, but for me no less nerve inducing, has been going to several events & get togethers in the first few months of this year.  Events where I would only know 1 person and be arriving on my own, which, in itself, makes me uncomfortable (sounds silly when I write it down but that’s the way it is!).

Bootcamp & Brunch

Obviously, it was the brunch bit of this that provided the temptation, especially as it was at The Ivy in Clifton. 

This was organised & hosted by Cam Dempster.  So, one Saturday morning I got up and left the house by 6.30am to get to Clifton by 8.00am. This was a major achievement alone as those who know me know that I don’t relish getting up in the morning . 

I left home in lovely sunshine, a cold March morning but dry.  By the time I got to the meeting place it was freezing & raining!!  Thankfully the weather soon improved otherwise I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the session as much as I did.  Before I went, I had my usual insecurities crop up:

• Will I be the oldest?

• Will I be the biggest?

• Will I be the least fit?

• Will I be able to do it?

• What if no one wants to talk to me?

   

And the list goes on – at the end of the day none of those really mattered anyway. 

So what if I was the oldest, biggest or least fit? Why wouldn’t anyone want to talk to me?   As for my fitness – I know I’m strong and I can do short bursts of cardio – yes, I’m never going to be a marathon runner or a fast sprinter, but I can manage a short burst. 

Of course, everyone was friendly, I didn’t feel out of place, and I managed the exercise – was great to be outside & brunch after was lovely with the bonus of a goody bag.  

Hot Pod Yoga & Networking Event

When I signed up for this event hosted by HBC Bristol & South West, it caused much hilarity when I told people.  Being the age I am, (48), I’m hot quite a lot of the time anyway so the thought of doing yoga in a hot pod alongside the fact I hadn’t done yoga in about 10 years was quite amusing.  

That’s the problem with the mantra “be brave, say yes”.  When I booked, I didn’t read it properly and hadn’t realised it was hot pod yoga until I subsequently read all the details.  That’s when the nerves really kicked in!

• Will I be the oldest?

• Will I be the biggest?

• Will I faint?

• Why on earth have I signed up for this?

• How will I cope with the heat? etc. etc.

Yes, I was the oldest and I was the biggest but actually I loved it. I felt no judgement. On arriving at Hotpod Yoga Bristol we were individually spoken with to ascertain our experience etc & immediately put at ease.  The pod itself had low level lighting & the temperature was maintained.  The atmosphere was fantastic. I ended up doing the session in just my sports bra & leggings which demonstrates how comfortable I felt!  

The networking after was very informal & there were some great brands present with samples (always a bonus) & I met some lovely people – again fears unfounded!

Putting myself out there – the lesson learned

The two above examples were probably the most out of my comfort zone but with the other events I’ve been to, each time becomes a bit easier. (practice makes perfect progress). It would be easy to not go, but I’ve always enjoyed them and connected with some great people.

The fears and insecurities I have before attending have always proved groundless. but before attending I give myself permission to either leave if it’s awful or acknowledge I don’t have to do it again!

Talking to people at these events makes me realise I’m not the only one feeling nervous before hand – why is it we always think we’re the only ones?

So next time you want to go to something but feel unsure – I challenge you to say yes.  You never know you might enjoy yourself – and what’s the worst that can happen?

You might also come home with some pretty tasty goody bags.