Time to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone??

You know those days when you wake up cranky? And there’s nothing wrong! It’s just like a black cloud has decided to perch over your head, and you can’t think why. I had one of those days last week. It didn’t help that Maddy had school photos, and needed to be in photo-presentable condition, AND not be late (these are usually only rarely achieved on their own – but both at the same time??? Eeek).

I also had a MacBook training session booked at a shopping centre, which is about a 50-minute drive away. I can’t tell you the number of times I picked up the phone to cancel the appointment. But I knew it was something I had to do, so after dropping Numbers 1,2 and 3 at school, kindy and childcare (we were even early – OMG), I headed off to my appointment.

I planned to come home straight after my appointment. As always (and like any other Mum), I had so many chores to do. Washing and putting away the laundry, business paperwork, more de-cluttering, more organizing, more baking – there’s always MORE MORE MORE. But I also realized this was the easy option for me. I feel comfortable at home, and I realize how much I value the peace and quiet that exists only when the kids are at school.

But in a snap decision, I actually decided to “force myself” to have fun. Isn’t that a bizarre concept!!! I realized that I am so stuck in my routine, and so overwhelmed by all the “stuff” that needs to be done, I very rarely do things “just for the fun of it”. And so off I went in the most fabulous shopping centre I know. As I meandered around the shops, picking up and touching homewares, smelling perfumes, and chatting to sales staff, I had a lightbulb moment (I seem to be having lots of those lately). For all the online shopping I do (and I do an awful lot), there is so much to be said to actually being present in the whole shopping experience.

I found myself gazing at room displays, and getting feedback from fellow customers. I loved picking up items and mixing and matching them with items at the other end of the shop.

And the best part of it was how many people are happy to stop and have a chat. I love talking to people (can you guess lol), and most people actually stopped me to look at Lucy while she smiled up happily at them, or they asked questions about the pram, which is always a great conversation starter!

It was such a pleasant day, and I was so glad that I didn’t let the black cloud hang over my head for the day. I was reminded that we should do something every day that takes us out of our comfort zone.

Try it – when was the last time you forced yourself to do something, and came out smiling???