stepping out of my comfort zone

After many years of taking on adventures to challenge myself and to take me out of my comfort zone, I finally decided to begin writing about it. If I would have started this blog when I was a bit younger, I could have already written about the things that appeared to some as easy, but were not. Mostly these were physical challenges - marathons; triathlons; a 1.2 mile open water swim; a Century Ride (a 100 mile bike ride); a 13 mile, mountainous obstacle course race; a 200 mile relay; a 61-flight stair climb and numerous, smaller road races in between. Some equally demanding events were more a challenge of my mind and spirit. These events may not be significant accomplishments or challenging for some, but they were for me.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone has often meant choosing to do an event that I was not sure I could do, that would make me nervous and, sometimes, fearful. Over the years people (especially my mother who increasingly believes I am not related to her!) have asked why I continually push myself to do more. I answer that I enjoy seeing what I am capable of physically as a way to strengthen my mind and my soul, to take advantage of and express my gratitude for the physical body I have been given, and to set an example for my children of overcoming obstacles with hard work and creating a sense of pride and accomplishment. My goal is not to become the best athlete, but rather to keep pushing my own limits and finding my own personal best. My young son once excitedly asked me after a race, "Did you win?" I answered with a smile, "I never win, but sometimes I beat myself."

I am a reluctant blogger. I am not blogging because I think that my story is so unique, my adventures are so great or my writing is so good. I am writing mostly to document my sense of adventure for my children. I am blogging now because I've recently been inspired - before and after this week's Boston Marathon bombings - to once again step outside of my comfort zone and take on some new challenges. As someone wrote to me in a running group today, "Life is too short not to act on inspirations!" Maybe, in turn, I will inspire others to do more than they thought they were capable of and, as a result, learn how strong they really are. If I don't, that's fine too. Sometimes life hands us challenges from which we must learn and grow, other times we must seek out our own adventures.

Pema Chodron, a mom, ordained nun, author and teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage writes, "Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth." So, despite my fears, I will continue to find ways to step outside of my comfort zone, to challenge myself and to move closer to my truth.

Follow this AdventurHER and see what adventure she takes on next!

Volunteer at B.A.A. 5K and Invitational Mile | Boston, MA | April 14, 2013