Get out of your Comfort Zone
I've been taking a adult Hip Hop classes at Jenkins School of Dance. This class does not come easy for me. Although uncomfortable in the beginning, I'm having lots of fun. It's awkward to participate in something, in which, you have no experience in. I didn't allow my fear of looking like a fool stop me.
Many of us live in fear of the unknown and it can holds us back from some of life's most fabulous experiences. In order to keep growing, we must continue to challenge ourselves, no matter what our age. Whether it's physically or mentally, this growth is important to keeping our minds active, our spirits alive, and our bodies healthy.
I'm as good at Hip Hop as I am at Zumba, the Latin aerobics class. Although, I'll continue to plug away at both, as I know my mind and body will reap the benefits of doing something that requires a different effort than my usual workouts. These type of activities are humbling, yet rewarding. Satisfaction comes from engaging in something new. By putting ourselves out there, we may discover a love for something we may never have found. We'll always recognize limitations, but more importantly, we come to realize that life is limitless when it comes to new possibilities. Our characters becomes bigger and stronger and we're more interesting people! Life is never dull or boring, when you constantly try new things. We need not be perfect, only a willing participant.
If you've ever taken one of my fitness classes, then you've probably heard me say, "You'll get out what you put in!" This is not only my favorite saying in the aerobic room, but I believe it to be true for our entire lives. If you're constantly looking for short cuts, you'll always come up short and less fulfilled. If you put all you have behind achieving something, you'll never be disappointed. Have our lives have become so accustomed to convenience, that we're always seeking out that easier way? Has working hard has taken the back seat? If we're not careful, our actual "backseats" will begin to show the effects of that convenient lifestyle. When faced with challenges, both anticipated and not expected, we find out what were made of. It's always a choice of how much you want to participate in the outcome. The results are always directly linked to the effort.
The body and the mind respond in amazing ways when challenged. Exercise can open the door to a new life for a sedentary person. It can actually save a life or create anew way of living. When the human body is exercised, the by-product is more energy, less stress, reduced fat, and an overall better functioning body. To keep workouts fun and interesting, it's important that variety is offered. When we exercise the mind, we're also rewarded in endless ways. Knowledge is power. Learning, reading and educating ourselves in areas of personal interest will enrich our lives. This keeps our minds active, alert and performing at a high level. By constantly offering variety to our body and mind, we'll continue to see positive results in many areas of our lives.
When you choose to do something new and unfamiliar, it doesn't have to be like a job. It should be fun, interesting and fulfilling in some way. When is the last time you, purposely, challenged yourself? When you allow yourself to be exposed to different environments, you'll realize what you can actually accomplish. You might even have a little fun along the way!
I can honestly say, when I leave that Hip Hop class, I'm already looking forward to the next class. Another chance at redeeming myself! I want to work harder and show improvement. Yes, it's uncomfortable at times, it's hard for me to loosen up the way you need to for a class like that. But I know it's so good for the mind, body and spirit. Activities like this can take you away, temporarily, from your everyday struggles. This can offer us an escape from reality and a chance to lose ourselves, if only for an hour or so. Sometimes, I'm a little more lost than I'd like to be in the Hip Hop class! Next time the opportunity arises for you to get out of your comfort zone, take the challenge to grow in a different way. You'll never be let down, only lifted up!
