Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Published On: September 15th, 2020


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At the beginning of the month we talked about how survivors of sexual abuse often create a comfort zone for themselves.  Two different images were offered – that of wrapping yourself up with insulation like a blanket or forming a protective wall.  It may also be a comfy nest that you don’t really want to leave, even when it’s time.

Let’s explore what a comfort zone might look like for you.  First, get comfortable in your seat and take three cleansing breaths.  If you are comfortable doing so, close your eyes.  Allow yourself to envision your comfort zone.  What have you surrounded yourself with to feel safe and secure?

·         What does it look like?  Color?  Texture?

·         What does it feel like?

·         What is it protecting?

·         What is it keeping out?

·         What is it preventing you from experiencing?

If you have a journal, write down the thoughts that came to you.  Consider drawing what your comfort zone looks like.

Now ask yourself: Is the value of staying in this comfort zone outweighed by the value of stretching yourself to begin embracing the life you want and the person you want to become?  If you want to take a step towards stretching, let’s go back to visualizing. 

·         Once again, take three deep breaths. 

·         Now allow yourself to envision the person you want to be. 

·         Does an image come to you?

·         How would you want to be seen? 

·         What would you want to claim for yourself?

Capture what came to you in your journal.  If an image came to you, describe or sketch it. 

Now identify one small thing you can do to stretch out of your comfort zone and begin to claim it for yourself.  In the September 1st blog, I talked about wanting to be seen as kind, fun and insightful.

·         A small step for kindness could be to notice those around me more and take an action to show that I care about them.

·         A small step for fun could be to think of something I would enjoy doing and invite someone to join me in the adventure.

·         A small step for being insightful could be having the confidence to speak what I know to be true.

The following are important things to remember as you begin to grow and move out of your comfort zone:

·         Recognize where you are and what walls you have created

·         Identify the direction you would like to move

·         Take small, achievable steps to begin growing into the wonderful person you were meant to be!

We are very excited to announce that the book, Awakening the Light: A Survivors to Thrivers  Going-Forward Story will be released October 1, 2020!  You will be able to purchase the paperback book or e-book through our website book tab.  Here is one review of the book:

“The move from darkness, shame and silence to light, love and freedom is possible when we have the courage to acknowledge and face the harm we have experienced.  It is the gift of the honest and helpful book to make this hard and necessary work seem possible.”  LeDayne McLeese Polaski, M.Div., ED of Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network

Talk To Tambry

I am glad you have taken the time to engage with this blog.  Sometimes it is helpful to process new insights that emerge.  If you would appreciate brief time with a someone who understands, our Talk to Tambry offering is for you.  For 30 minutes, you can receive support from Tambry who is a certified life coach, spiritual director and a survivor who has been on the journey as well.  This is offered at a reduced rate of $50.

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