Earlier this year I wrote on the popular New Year meme, “Word of the Year“. I chose the word “discomfort” as mine, and was truly surprised at how it was received.
Even more surprising is how the year has thus far unfolded for me.
This week’s Writer’s Workshop includes the prompt…
- Write about a time you were forced to step out of your comfort zone.
On May 12th, I not only presented 3 sessions at the TechCamp Memphis social media, online marketing and developers conference, but I had the amazing opportunity to emcee the event, too.
{Can we say, “SQUEE!?!?!”}
In all seriousness, I was and still am incredibly honored to have been asked to emcee my first conference. The opportunity was completely unexpected and arose out of a schedule conflict.
And I was completely unaware of said schedule conflict until the words, “So, I’d like you to emcee the event” flowed through my phone.
One lesson I learned long ago is that sometimes? It’s the most random of circumstances that produce an opportunity you simply can’t refuse.
Without hesitation, I responded with a confident, “Of course! I would love to!”
This emcee experience was a fantastic opportunity and – most shocking to me – not at all a nervous nor stressful one. The event came and went (and quite successfully, might I add!), and never once was I anxious about rockin’ my emcee and presenter duties. In fact, I would go so far as to say it felt like a very natural thing for me to do.
The Tuesday after the conference I had to read a letter I had written to Kate’s retiring Kindy teacher in front of 3 classes’ worth of kids and their parents. From the morning of her promotion ceremony clear through the actual letter reading (including a gently-shaking hand holding the mic), I was a ball of nerves.
I’m not 100% sure why the “easier” of the 2 tasks was actually the most stressful, but I do find a strange comfort in how good the conference stuff went.
Maybe – just maybe – I’ve figured out my place in this crazy world.
Never in a million years would I have dreamt I’d one day combine my marketing degree and career experience with a hobby like blogging and social media to carve out a new career for myself that (apparently) suits me perfectly.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone may feel daunting, but you might also find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience.
As strange as it is to say, ‘discomfort’ might, in fact, prove to be your perfectly joyful bliss.
Have you ever felt rewarded for taking a chance to try something new?
Congrats! You have a real gift in helping others learning about social media and blog. You have taught me much!
This comment means so much! I’m touched, my dear! Thank you so much!
I am in the midst of some big changes that all come from my deciding to open myself up to possibilities.
It is scary, but in a good way.
Go you, Jack!
It’s crazy how something can be presented to you that you never saw coming.
Best of luck with your decisions!
I am in the midst of some big changes that all come from my deciding to open myself up to possibilities.
It is scary, but in a good way.
When I started teaching I decided I would try anything once…so I have done everything from student council to senior class adviser to state testing site coordinator.
I am just starting to get out of my anxiety-induced comfort zone of just staying home all the dang time, and taking the boys out on an “adventure” at LEAST once a week.
It’s hard…but so rewarding!
I’m so impressed that you have given so many things a fair chance! That’s a great way to be, Katie!
Oh Liz, I love it! So glad you are finding your comfort zone!
I feel this way about photography somewhat, so I can definitely relate!
You are amazingly talented and I’m glad that you have found a way to combine all of the things that you are so great at!
More power to you, Liz – I’m terrified of public speaking. I even freaked out on my own wedding day over saying my vows – and I only had 100 or so guests.
That said, I’m thinking about stepping outside mt comfort zone by auditioning for the 2013 Listen to Your Mother in DC. I think I could maybe pull off public speaking if I’m reading my own words in front of an audience.
Isn’t it great when you find that sweet spot – something that you thought was out of your comfort zone, but was actually a perfect fit for you skills and abilities? So great!
(visiting from Mama Kat’s)
Stepping outside my comfort zone is so hard! I can’t imagine speaking at an event. I have a hard enough time attending them!
visiting from Mama Kat’s
I LOVE this. I find it so inspiring (and I really don’t say that much!) that you’ve been able to carve out your own niche and do what you love and are apparently good at! I just quit my marketing job (super scary decision, had a lot of sleepless nights while deciding) and am trying to find my own space. Thanks for the inspiration!
annie
Limbo is my word of the year but I’ve always proved to be an excellent dancer.
“One lesson I learned long ago is that sometimes? It’s the most random of circumstances that produce an opportunity you simply can’t refuse.”
I was about ten years older than you are right now before I discovered this pearl of wisdom.
This bit of life lesson has earned me some incredible moments.
xo
I always feel fortunate when I learn a life lesson. You never know when one will be taught, but once it is, it’s invaluable forever after.
No surprise that you did awesome as emcee of the conference. I usually say “I love to” right away too, to something that sounds thrilling. Then afterwards, it’s like — What have I done? Can I do this? Every time I’ve pressed through some nerves, it’s always been worth it.
Yes! THAT exactly! Say “yes” and then force yourself to figure it out!
I totally get that! Love it!
It’s funny, I’ve been on stage many MANY times in my life in front of large audiences. I get a few butterflies, but nothing major. Last month I had to present something at a department meeting in a room of a dozen or so people I know pretty well. I was a MESS. Somehow it’s different when you know the individuals in the audience.
Hahahaha! Yes! I totally get it! Isn’t it crazy how it doesn’t make “sense”?
That is soooo incredibly wonderful. And clearly this means that you HAVE found your calling, your true passion in life. I think when you know and it feels right, there’s no hesitation there, which is why being an emcee at a conference was a breeze for you. GOOD FOR YOU!
I have terrible stage fright and social speaking events totally freak me out. I even hate when we go around the table at work meetings to introduce ourselves. It’s awful. But it’s also something I’d like to overcome one day.
Did you have a pointer? I bet you could totally rock a pointer!
So inspiring, Liz! Your stories and tweets about this whole experience have inspired to keep an open ear/eye on the local scene.
What a way to mark the things a year has brought.
So clever, Liz: love that it lives here forever.
Way to go, Liz! I’m so, so very impressed with, and inspired by, your discomfort zone!
I picked the word JOY and have been trying to embrace the goodness around me…
Discomfort – on the surface – sounds like the opposite idea; and yet you are finding your own joy in taking on new challenges.
So awesome. In every way.
Thanks for the inspiration, my friend.
Always.