Life Outside Our Comfort Zone

Life outside our comfort zone has benefits. When we challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zone, it brings growth and fulfillment. Unfortunately, the fear of failure can sometimes keep us in the safe zone.

Earlier this year we shared with you a risk to drive home over a closed state highway — or get snowed in. We knew the pros and cons and calculated the risk. This was outside our comfort zone, and clearly a risk.

Pushing Beyond Our Comfort Zone

We were outside our comfort zone on Day 1 of our first family backpack trip when the fisherman’s hiking trail in Outlaw Canyon came to a dead end. We could have turned back. (Note: This adventure pre-dated Google Maps.) Instead we continued to follow the river with 5 young kids through the canyon. We had hiked stretches of the canyon before and had a burning desire to complete the trek. We knew the distance (as the crow flies) from point A to point B and with a brand-new water filter and extra food, we felt confident.

Nothing is Without Risk

At 10pm on Day 5 of an anticipated 3-day trip we were exhausted, but jubilant as we climbed out of the canyon not far from where our vehicle was parked. Stretches of the river literally carved the canyon walls. We had to ford the stream or climb out of the canyon to continue our trek and then back down when the brush became too thick. Our water pump malfunctioned and we made the decision to drink the clear, cold river water, knowing it was teeming with Giardia.

Fear and Frustration Were Palpable

Singing “Just around the river bend” was cute at first but became old by Day 4. Praying the Hail Mary, “now and at the ‘owie’ of our death” did not bring comfort. Rumblings of “Dad is lost,” and “Mom is in over her head,” didn’t lift spirits. Truth be told, the only one to keep his sense of humor the entire trip was our Golden Retriever.

Benefits of Leaping Beyond Our Comfort Zone

Outside our comfort zone — definitely, but the benefits were a ‘watershed’ moment in our family. We realized that we would only get out of the Canyon as fast as the slowest member and developed a common goal, with a mantra of “We” not “Me.” The boys sherpa-ed packs across the river and we lightened the load of those who needed it most. We met the Sheriff as we approached our car and were able to call off a search which was to begin the next morning.

Lead By Example

As parents, we were honest, but did our best to project confidence. We led by example. We were united and not critical of each other. Tom had never backpacked before, and deep in the canyon, I (MF) was in over my head. We focused on building each other up. We were able to conquer adversity, overcome fears and as a family grew in confidence. It was a defining moment, a trek that we have repeated and relived in HS and college essays.

Sage Advice

Reflect on the times you have stepped out of your comfort zone as a couple or as a family. What were the benefits? What was your mantra? Consider this sage advice: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain