Sunday, July 27, 2008

Outside the Comfort Zone

Habit is necessary; it is the habit of having habits,
of turning a trail into a rut, that must be incessantly
fought against if one is to remain alive.
~ Edith Wharton


Last night, hubby and I had a fun evening out. We saw the new Batman movie Dark Knight, which was pretty incredible (I'll second those who are voting for a posthumous Oscar nomination for Heath Ledger.) We don’t often go to movies while they're in the theatre, preferring instead to get them from Netflix so we can take potty and stretch breaks when needed. But sometimes, seeing a movie in a darken theatre, with one hundred of your closest friends (yes, it was packed last night) is an experience in itself. Don't you agree that there's something about the crowd that feeds the excitement of an action movie?

The other unusual thing we did last night was having "dinner" while we watched the movie. I don’t think I've ever eaten a hot dog at a movie theatre. I know it sounds silly, but it was so fun (and so yummy!)

What this all made me realize is how important it is to break out of our ruts, to do something different once in a while. How nice it is to see ourselves in a new situation, in a new light (in our case, with mustard dripping down our chins!)


I think the same idea applies when we're trying to progress as individuals. There certainly is comfort in routine, but there isn’t growth. It's important to step outside our comfort zone once in a while - that place that feels safe and familiar - and stretch our wings. We'll never know what we're fully capable of until we do.

All of this thinking about ruts and new adventures is in the forefront of my mind today, as I prepare to do my first-ever tutoring session tomorrow night. I am incredibly nervous, and incredibly excited all at once. I know I will grow from the experience, and I can’t seem to settle the butterflies in my stomach. But I know it’s all part of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

We all get in a rut in our lives. Good emotional health requires that we occasionally do something new to shake things up. I can highly recommend a hot dog and a movie -- just not too often. That treat ate up a lot of my calories for the week. But what a great way to spend them!


Until next time...

20 comments:

Susie said...

Hi Pattie,
Bill and I are the same way about rarely seeing a movie in the theater (except with the grands!)
I've never had anything other than popcorn, but your hot dog dinner sounds delightful.
I know you'll do so well at your tutoring and just think of the wonderful difference you'll be making in his life (and yours too!)
Great post!!
xoxo

Kathy said...

I've always felt that hot dogs are best when eaten at a sports event or similar venue. The best hot dog I have had or will ever have was at a skating rink when my girls were about junior high age. And you are so right about a movie seeming more exciting when seen at the theater. I think the next movie we see will be the remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still"...one of Harold's favorite movies of all time! He has the dialogue memorized!

Donna Gotlib said...

Pattie,
I'm so glad that I stopped by this afternoon and checked in on you. What an inspiring post! You're so right about the need to try on different things. I loved reading about how you ate a hot dog at the movies! What fun!!! It doesn't have to be something huge, just different and all of a sudden, the balance shifts just a bit and you are enjoying the moment instead of walking through it as a zombie.

Thanks so much for this post!

I'm picking my husband up at the airport this evening. He's been gone for the week. Now you have me thinking about how I can alter my normal airport transport routine.

Thanks!

Cookie

ptg said...

Yup - it's good to break the routine and try something new...how will you know how far you've come if you never challenge yourself?

(This, of course, is also my rational for attempting a 10K run which will be my farthest run EVER and I'm scared half to death.)

Good for you for tutoring - good, caring individuals are always needed to push forward their passions, and I think you'll do great. :o)

Diana Swallow said...

excellent post Pattie!!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Oh that sounds like fun. You reminded me of the fun of going to a drive-in theater and eating dinner in the car. (No dill pickle was ever as good as those the drive-in served.)

Good luck with your tutoring!

Take One Stripper Pole said...

Very cool words Pattie ... good for provoking some internal thoughts. :) And yes ... Heath Ledger for an Oscar ... how wonderfully evil was he?

jovaliquilts said...

Good luck tomorrow! What a rewarding experience that will be.

Kelli said...

Great post, Pattie! Phillip has seen the Batman movie and thought it was excellent! Right now I'm watching the old version of The Parent Trap. It's so cute! :0)
~Kelli

Lora said...

You're so right! People who dare to step out of their comfort zone live very full lives! You know the old saying....you miss 100% of the shots you don't take!

Anonymous said...

such a great point.
so often I had clients not succeed because they didnt wanna venture out of comfort zone.

it was the pain they KNEW being 'better' than the pain they didnt...

RunningNan said...

This is so exciting for you! I can't wait to hear how it all goes!

I love the mustard dribbling down your chin. That is totally something that would happen to me!

Needled Mom said...

It sounds like it was a really fun outing. I am surprised they allow that sort of food at the theater. Remember the drive-ins where you could take your food and drinks? I miss that.

I will be thinking of you as you start your tutoring today. I know that you will do an awesome job.

Unknown said...

Good luck, I'm so excited for you. Keep us posted!

Deborah said...

Great advice. I've really got to work on getting out of my comfort zone.

Becky said...

Good luck with your tutoring class! I know you will be great :)

Nonnas News said...

Hi Pattie! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope we can become blogging buddies and visit on a regular basis! Not only do we have the same name in common, My husband and I also went to see the new Batman movie last night as well!! It was pretty good! I'm more of a romance/comedy kinda gal but everyonce in a while I have to go see a movie with him that he likes. Yes, that is my first granbaby, isnt she adorable? She is 9 months old and I'm doing my part to spoil her rotten!! LOL

Manuela said...

I love superhero movies and this has been one of the best yet. I loved Aaron Eckhart too (poor twoface!)but, Heath Ledger was unbelievable as the Joker. Man, remember Cesar Romero as the Joker on the old t.v. show? What a difference.

And, another great post. You really need to get out of the comfort zone more often to truly experience life!

new*me said...

I want to go to a movie now! I don't know if we have hot dogs at ours though? The popcorn tempts me and I eat more than 3 people should.....so in my case, the hot dog may be the smarter choice ;) Your post today was great. I get into the comfort zone way too much...whenever I veer off my normal path, I always have a great time. Good advice. Good luck with the tutoring!

Kathy said...

I had to let you know that we had our first tomato last night! Well, aside from the cherry tomatoes which are good but just not the same as those big slicers! YUM!!!