I’m on my way back from a quick vacation. Thanks to my fantastic staff, I was able to take a rare break in my routine. On a quick coffee stop in western Nebraska, I thought I’d write a quick note.
Over the past week, I was motorcycling in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. I love riding, but I usually stick to the smooth, predictable, paved, and out of the way roads. What can I say? When it comes to riding, I’m not much of a risk-taker. My traveling companion, on the other hand, is a different story.
Last Sunday as we were riding in Moab, Utah, the road ended. Instead, I should say the pavement ended. What was in front of us was a rock and dirt trail that GPS confirmed would take us twelve miles to the top of a steep canyon. “Want to ride it?”, my friend asked.
I thought for a moment and answered, “Sure.” Wait, who was this person living in my body, answering questions precisely opposite the way I usually would?
I won’t bore you with the details, but over the next few hours, we slowly crept down rocky inclines, through dry creek beds, and up impossibly steep switchbacks. Despite the danger, we emerged relatively unharmed. A few cuts and bruises and a broken brake lever was fine by me considering the hours of white-knuckle riding we just finished.
I’m not writing this to brag (I will NOT be repeating this sort of adventure ride anytime soon) but I was proud of myself. You see, this was out of my comfort zone. Way out of it. Things could have turned out badly, but they didn’t, and I believe I learned a few things about myself in the process.
You may have heard the saying, Outside of your comfort zone is where the magic happens. I have said this to our members over the years, and I have found it to be true. I have seen people undertake challenges and try things they never dreamed they would only to emerge a stronger and more confident version of themselves. Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?
I’m not suggesting you risk injury doing silly activities best left to people half your age. There are plenty of safe ways to be a risk-taker. Maybe it’s joining a book club or volunteering for a local charity. Eating foods that you have been too timid to try or beginning an exercise program. If there has been something that’s been on your mind, I encourage you to take a step forward. Even a small one. You might be surprised at how you come out on the other side.
– Coach Brad
