A couple of months ago, I completed my first belly dancing class. I decided to sign up for belly dancing lessons because I wanted to do something fun and different that took me out of my comfort zone--and it did!
My first class was a test. I have two left feet. I am not coordinated, and I have no rhythm. But that didn't stop me. While it took me awhile to grasp the steps and the assistance of the instructor (literally holding my hand and dancing with me acros the floor)--it didn't matter. At the end of the class I felt like I had accomplished something. And, when I thanked my instructor, she told me "You've got it. You looked great out there." Two years ago I would have never even considered doing something that I didn't feel comfortable with, but things have changed since then.
My first year in Washington D.C. was extremely difficult. Between an unsatisfying job, two car accidents and unrented home in Charleston, a difficult relationship, I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life, but I didn't. Change (even in a place that you feel like you know so well) can be extremely hard. even if you want it so badily, but you learn to adjust, surround yourself with people who care, and find things that you enjoy to get through the days:
- Try something that you have never done before. The first risk I ever took was to try something different. I literally did by trying a Mexican delicacy-grasshoppers in cheese sauce. They weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but will I ever eat them again? Probably not.
- Try something you've tried before, but with a different attitude. I saw a special with a local belly dancing studio. It was a crash course in belly dancing. I had taken a four week class in Charleston, but I quit by the third class. But, this time, I came out of the class with the desire to learn more. And, I find myself practicing the movements, remembering my in instructors tips like "say the steps out loud."
Last year was definitely been a year of "getting to know myself." I have learned a lot of myself thanks to the risks that I have taken over the last year. The steps that I am taking are having an impact on my confidence, the quality of my work and a change of attitude. And, I have had a good start to 2010 so far. I am signing up for next belly dancing, which begins this spring!
What about you? What actions have you taken to step out of your comfort zone.
