Leaving the Comfort Zone

This is the year that I am getting outside of my comfort zone and trying new things.

I’ve been pushing myself to experience things I normally wouldn’t because of my anxiety. This is the year my anxiety will not stop me from living. My struggles with public events, meeting people, and doing things have been getting so much worse lately, but I don’t want to stop living because my anxiety.

Instead I’m saying yes to things and I’m going to continue to live my life, even if I have to have daily panic attacks while doing it.

Today Kelsey and I went rock climbing in Penticton and it was totally amazing. This was the first time I’ve ever done it.

Getting into the harness brought back the anxious feelings I felt when I went bungee jumping and had a harness on. I was shaking with anxiety and I didn’t want to do it.

My mind was telling me not to do it because it remembered how I felt when I went bungee jumping (I experienced the worst panic attack of my life). My mind was telling me to run, my body felt like it was going to shut down, but I pushed through and it was mind over matter. I wanted to go!

It was worth the near panic attack, but holy hell it’s so damn hard!

Kelsey and I were probably at the indoor climbing wall for at least an hour and a half, and let me tell you… my arms are killing me.

Our instructor said it’s mostly legs and not arms, but your mind thinks you’re supposed to use your arms to lift you up. Our instructor walked us through step by step on how to do it, and was with us every second. He pushed us hard and he believed that we could do it.

Bouldering, which is climbing without a rope was the best part. It was so hard and I could barely do it, but once you get into the groove you just want to complete it.. even though I was for sure not strong enough.

Before we went climbing we walked along the beach and chatted. It was a beautiful sunny day. The 14 degree temperature wasn’t too bad either!!

I took my flats off and felt the sand under my feet, and even dipped my toes into the lake.

It was the perfect Sunday.

Getting out and trying new things can be so scary and intimidating… but it has honestly been so rewarding. I can’t wait to say yes to more things! (Skydiving is the next on my bucket list for this summer)

The adrenaline and stress of an adventure are better than a thousand peaceful days.