Do What Scares You: You Can Only Grow Outside of Your Comfort Zone

I recently presented a 5 day online class entitled Food is Life.  I spent many hours and many weeks writing and rewriting the class. The format was new to me and there was a certain level of tech skills that were expected. When I agreed to do the class, I wasn’t aware of the specific format that was going to be requested or that I was expected to know how to provide slides during my presentation.  This created a lot of anxiety and scared the crap out of me!  Nevertheless, I accepted the challenge and worked very hard to create good content. My sister is my tech angel and helps me through my learning curve.  Thank God for LaVerna!

Many of the Presenters were very articulate and polished. It was evident they had lots of experience teaching online and had the tech skills that I aspire to have. I decided that I was going to be my authentic self, and teach from the heart, and I did. I provide “live props” instead of slides for 99% of the class. I did my best. It wasn’t perfect, but I got in some really good practice!

Taking the leap of faith required to do the work I feel called to do has been challenging and scary.  But I know growth can only occur outside my comfort zone, so I keep moving forward.  I’ve been doing a lot of growth during these last 2 years since I retired early from my job of almost 30 years. I had hoped I’d be so much further along than I am. One of the hardest things is to give myself grace.

If you are growing outside of your comfort zone, take heart.  It will get better.  YOU will get better. Be kind to yourself.  Congratulate yourself on what you have accomplished so far. Know that it IS and will continue to be worth it.  Remember that there is NO ONE else, in the entire Universe just like you.  You have a unique gift that only you can offer the world.  I’m excited to be working on sharing mine and I’d love to hear about yours!

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