As humans, we tend to resist change. Whether it be a change of schools, living situations, or even changing laundry detergents. But you know what the awesome thing about change is? There’s something new at the end of it!
We find comfort zones, and we sit there, well, comfortably, until a force so strong and moving comes along that we have no choice but to be shaken out of them. Although it’s hard to see at the time, this is such a blessing in disguise.
Think back to the last thing you were resistant to; was it something as seemingly simple as attending a dinner, or a work conference, or a family gathering? What were your thoughts going into it? Most importantly, what was your experience coming out of it?
There is so much more to life than wailing in your own misery, waiting for good things to happen to you.
Humans can get so engulfed in our own bubbles of our tight-knit lives; family, friends, the local mall, the local pub. We never break out of our norm, out of our comfort zone.
When is the last time you remember a truly positive change in your life that didn’t come from absolutely shaking up your routine, doing something you have never done before?
Misery is not a landing place.
Misery is not a comfort zone. Misery is a seriously awful place to be, and although it may feel like you’re going to be there a very long time, you don’t have to be.
Give yourself time to grieve, cry, be sad, lost, and confused. I promise you, this will guide you in the direction you need to go.
Still lost on what to do to break that glass of misery hanging above you? Here’s some steps to take to get out of that comfort zone you’ve been so comfortably resting in:
1. Cry it out
Yes, this is most certainly the first step. If you’re in a comfort zone of misery to begin with, something happened in your life that deserves a short time out. Grieve about it. Whether it be a loss, a major change, or a trauma that you haven’t worked through yet, if it’s occupying your mind to the point of altering your emotions, attend to it. Let it run its course. But then, be prepared to move on.
2. Do something you don’t want to do
Hear me out on this. Sometimes we have the best time doing things we were hesitant about doing. This doesn’t have to be as extreme as a trip across the country. Are your friends constantly hassling you about joining them for happy hour, that local concert, or a sports game? GO! Put yourself out there. Not only are you experiencing new things, you’re going to meet new people. You’re going to interact with people you’re close to in a new and different setting. You’re going to build new memories.
3. Take something with you
This is a big one. You always hear people telling you to “use it as a learning experience,” “learn from it,” “grow from it.” This can be repetitive and even pain-staking to hear when you’re going through a seriously awful time. But, the important thing about leaving this comfort zone of misery is to ensure you’re not going back. Did you experience heartbreak? Learn the things not only your partner did wrong, but you did wrong, and make a conscious effort to not make those mistakes again. Did you lose a loved one? Reach out to someone you may have put on the back burner. Say something to a loved one you’ve been dying to tell them. Whatever you do, don’t stand still.
So next time you find yourself in a comfort zone of misery, use it as a time to learn, a time to grow, and a time to give yourself the opportunity for something new and exciting to take it’s place.
Click here for more information on grief counseling.
