When was the last time you got outside your comfort zone?

As humans, we have this tendency to stay where we’re comfortable.

Our comfort zone is a place that feels safe, cozy, and predictable. Why would we ever want to leave that?

Stepping outside of a cozy, predictable place can feel downright terrifying.

Why?

Because we don’t know what’s waiting for us on the other side.

So, we rarely venture out to do anything that may seem different or uncomfortable.

But here’s the thing—all the magic happens beyond those self-imposed boundaries.

We will never truly be able to grow and experience new things by staying in our comfort zone.

There is no growth in comfort.

This week, I am in Wales with my oldest daughter, Emma.

She is moving here to do her master’s degree in art conservation and restoration.

And let’s just say it’s an adventure!

Sometimes, when we opt for new things, it can be really scary and intimidating.

But I truly believe that it’s in those moments of intimidation and fear that we really grow the most.

Everything is different here in Wales. Obviously, it’s a different country, so there’s different food, different money, and pretty much all the systems are different than what we’re used to.

Even the way you get around is different.

But if we only look at all the things we do in life through the lens of what’s different, then it will be impossible to learn new things and grow.

Instead, we need to see our new experiences as grand adventures.

So, we are here in Wales on a grand adventure, and I am going to stay for a short time to help Emma figure things out.

Because, like anything else, when you get into a rhythm after change, everything becomes much easier.

The key is to keep pushing the boundaries of what you’re comfortable with, one step at a time.

Find your people.

When you come to a new country by yourself, until you meet people who you connect with, it can feel incredibly lonely.

Having a support system makes the leap feel less like a plunge into the abyss and more like a shared journey.

We need people for both the company and the connection.

And in order to find your people, you have to put yourself out there and move even further out of your comfort zone.

I mean, you’re already uncomfortable in a new country. Why not jump all in, right?

Whether it’s joining a new group of people whose interests align with yours, or meeting someone at the gym, just having a friend to say, “You’ve got this,” makes all the difference.

So, jump right in, find your tribe, and give it your all.

You may be surprised at how quickly you find people to share your adventure with when you put yourself out there.

Whenever you go somewhere new, it’s about jumping in and not holding anything back.

There’s always an adventure to be had and people to share it with.

So, start to see every opportunity as a new adventure and every person as a friend.

And, in no time at all, you will find your people.

Embrace change and move with it.

Whatever you’re doing, whether you’re moving to another country or you’re going on a vacation to a place you’ve never been before—embrace the change.

The beautiful thing about embracing change is that you start to change with it. That’s where the growth comes in.

When you embrace change, you’re no longer the same person you were when you arrived.

You’ve gained experience and become a new and improved version of yourself.

Embracing change means you will walk out the other side of your adventure older, wiser, and more experienced.

Sure, there will be moments of stress. And there are sure to be moments where your emotions are all over the place.

Change isn’t easy, but it’s not meant to be.

Change is life’s way of moving us in a direction that will strengthen and grow us in new and profound ways.

And when we find our strength in those gut-wrenching moments, that is when we really build our confidence.

That confidence will enable us to do hard things while learning important lessons all along the way.

Stay curious, and focus on the positive.

One of the best things about seeing life as an adventure is that it helps us to stay curious and open to new things.

We should try to approach change with curiosity instead of fear.

Fear keeps us stuck in our comfort zone and causes us to say no to those new adventures that come.

Rather than fearing the bad that could happen, consider all the positive possibilities of what could be.

Our focus can change everything for us.

While you can’t control everything, you can control your reactions to change.

So, concentrate on actions that are within your power, like your attitude, effort, and perspective.

Then, let go of those things that are beyond your control.

Ask yourself, “What’s interesting about this situation?” or “What new opportunities could come because of this?”

Curiosity and positivity can transform fear into confidence and even wonder.

Say yes to new adventures.

There are going to be times in our lives when we are presented with new opportunities for change.

We can respond with fear, or we can approach it with curiosity and wonder.

We only have one life to live.

If we live out our days in our comfort zone, we will miss so many opportunities that can only be found outside of it.

It’s not ever easy to step outside of what’s comfortable.

But once we do, we will discover a whole new world of adventure that’s been waiting for us all along.

As we step off, reach out, and grab hold of those adventures, we will find that the uncomfortable moments that got us there were worth it.

My challenge to you is that when life presents you with an adventure, just say YES!

The more you say “yes” to new experiences, the easier it becomes.

Start with small yeses and build from there.

Say yes to that new project at work, yes to a weekend road trip, yes to meeting someone for dinner.

With each yes, your comfort zone expands, and before you know it, you’re living a life filled with adventure.

So, be curious, be open, embrace the change, and go on the adventure.