Learning for the Sake of Training
Getting outside your comfort zone is really scary. Being comfortable feels good. When you are comfortable your brain doesn't want anything to change.
Recently I have started training for an event that is outside of my comfort zone. This has made me think about the things I have done as a paddler, making the growth steps to a new adventure. Each action on it’s own, outside of the box for me. My first Merlin paddle assessment, my first fitness assessment, my second fitness assessment, my first time trial, my first morning as a dragon boat coach. Each of these events took me way outside my comfort zone and I was scared. I have played team sports before but didn’t have to please a coach or be tested. I feel good about getting through these and also I feel good because I can see my growth as a paddler and as a person. Believe me it’s still scary to have to ‘test’.
The benefits of getting outside of our comfort zone are many. Taking that first action is the biggest step; putting initial fears aside and going forward. What do we gain?
Personal Growth: Taking risks adds to your personal growth. It doesn't matter the outcome because you are just building the step to keep going forward.
Experience: Each time you try something new you learn and expand your knowledge.
Be Creative: Challenge your existing ideas and become inspired.
Be more productive: Chase your dreams.
Adapt to change: Life transitions are all about change. Getting outside your comfort zone will let you be more adaptable to the bumps.
I get so much from harnessing the fear about doing something new and following through. Each time I push myself outside of my comfort zone, I grow. I push complacency aside and enjoy my efforts. I learn more about myself, what makes me tick and keeps me motivated. I have gathered some momentum, each action stacking on the next, I am more confident. I am relying on my past experiences to help propel me through the training I need to try out for the Senior Womens C Team USA tryouts (and a way to get around covid). I am so fortunate that I know others who are doing the same and who will train with me. I am looking now at the process, not the outcome. I know it will only be to my benefit.
How to Bring More Laughter Into Your Life
By Suzanne
"A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around."-Carolyn Birmingham
Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped-or nonexistent-sense of humor? No problem. Humor can be learned. In fact, developing or refining your sense of humor maybe easier than you think.
Here are some suggestions on ways to start:
Smile. Smiling is the beginning of laughter and like laughter, it is contagious.
Count your blessings. Make a list. The simple act of looking at the positive aspects of your life will help to distance you from negative thoughts. Negative thoughts can block humor and laughter.
Spend time with fun people. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. And then return the favor by sharing funny stories or jokes with those around you.
Bring humor into conversations. Ask others, "What is the funniest thing that happened to you today? This week? In your life?
Know what isn't funny. Don't laugh at the expense of others. Use your best judgement to discern a good joke from a bad or hurtful one.
The more you get used to laughing each day, the less effort you will have to make.
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