Like many, I too have my little bubbles of comfort that I love to maintain. Some days I am all for jumping right out of that bubble, but most I struggle with anxiety around "what if it pops". Over the last 5 or so years, I have learned to embraced my anxiety. Becoming self aware has helped me recognize those moments that I try to avoid because it might make me uncomfortable and implemented coping strategies. It was quickly realized in life that a person must be able to adjust and live in discomfort sometimes, or you risk not living at all.
Not all things are skittles and rainbows and embracing your anxiety doesn't have to be bad. Once I realized those feelings I was trying so hard to avoid and push down were actually my natural instincts to the world just letting me know, "hey, this is different, so be careful", I was able to experience things differently. Now, I do still have those pit feelings in my stomach and the weird sensation that runs down my legs and into my feet that make me feel as though I might fall under my own weight, but I acknowledge it, I do some deep diaphragmatic breathing and I tell myself, "you are okay, this is okay, you've got this". Words of affirmation might be a love language of mine ;) #practiceselflove
I am the worst about excuses. Saying, "Ew, its raining" (yay Washington!) or "It's not a good day/time, I will start tomorrow." One day, I stopped making excuses and decided I was going to do things a little differently. Some ways that I try to hold myself accountable is before making any decision not to go or not to workout or whatever it may be, I literally get ready for it first. I put on tennis shoes and gym clothes or I shower, get dressed, and fix my hair. Then when it is all done, I am more likely to actually follow through with the plans I made for MYSELF. And making plans to do something that you want to do for YOU is one of the most important things you can do. You owe it to yourself to stick to it. All it took was that one step and I was on my way to a bigger and better lifestyle. Which lead me to where I am today. A more confident photographer, willing to step out of my comfort zones and constantly expand myself in this world. This weeks step outside of my bubble lead me to accepting a gig to photograph a house for a real estate listing. I have never done this before. Had no idea what it entailed or what to even do. I was nervous and almost said no. But I accepted. And I researched. And do you know what it got me? Extreme gratitude from the agent and potential future opportunities. For this, I am thankful to have stepped out of my comfort zone, because these moments mean I am bettering myself as a photographer and as a person.
Most of this new self-actualization has come with age and maturity, I think. Well, maybe half. The other half comes from having the best support system. Having people who continue to push me and shake me when I need it. I owe these wonderful moments to my sister who has always told me I was worth more than I allow people to treat me, and my husband who has always treated me like I was his sun, moon, and stars. Having support systems help build confidence in yourself tremendously. Building your support system, oftentimes, means stepping out of your cushy little bubble, and branching out, expanding, making those connections. So, my message to you- join that local FB group with the playdates or meetups and go, make those plans for yourself and go, get those gym clothes on and go, whatever it may be, make the plan and stick to it. Because once you commit to the task, and are on your way, you will feel ten times better. And then, when it's over, you will be able to stop and realize how glad you are that you did it. I guarantee there are more people than you think that are right there in your shoes, feeling just as anxious as you are.
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