Jump in, the water's great!

I love vacation weeks, it is so nice to be able to stop and slow down just a little or even just break out of the routine. This week I have been thinking about the comfort zone. Obviously, there is something, dare I say it, comforting, about knowing that we are good at something. Or getting ourselves into a routine and sticking with it. But when does the comfort zone become a detriment? Let me give you an example: I have an old friend that was in a car accident. After the accident, she become so nervous and upset everytime she got behind the wheel she started to find ways to make driving easier. First, she wouldn't take the highway anywhere. Then, she wouldn't drive after dark. Finally, she will literally NOT make a left hand turn. This is her comfort zone. Is it safe? Probably more so than if she did these things. But what is she missing out on? Visiting friends. Taking a direct route instead of having to mentally figure out how not to turn left. Who knows what else and the point is she will never know!
A few years ago, a friend of mine was going on maternity leave from her job as a Fitness Instructor. I was her front row diva. She asked me if I would consider training to be her replacement while she was on leave. I almost said, "No way!" immediately. But I didn't. I thought about it and even though it was WAY outside of my comfort zone, I figured I would give it a try. I figured at the least all I had to do was get through a couple of months, at the best I might find out I really enjoyed doing it. Wow! When I think about how different my life might be if I hadn't said yes and stepped outside the comfort zone I am blown away.
So here is my question to you. How many opportunities are you missing out on? Are you not shaking it as much as you could in Zumba because you are afraid someone will think you look funny? I promise, they won't! Are you not letting out that giant WEPA! or whoo-hoo! in class because you are afraid you'll sound silly? I promise, you won't! Did you not try something new because it might be hard? Yes, it might be, but there is great satisfaction in learning a new skill. Don't hold back, do a gigantic cannonball or dip your big toe in the water, I promise it feels great!
This week begins our session at Metcalf School, Northampton Street, Holyoke, Thursdays at 4pm. We had such a great turnout for the demo class, I am convinced that we have a hot one on our hands. And what's great about that is that we will be doing something good for our public schools as well as doing something good for our bodies and ourselves! Please spread the word about this class, it is open to ANYONE who wants to attend. There will be a suggested donation of $5. One-third of all proceeds will be donated to a Metcalf School Wellness Fund to help purchase gross motor skill equipment.
There are no changes to this week's schedule at All Saints' Episcopal. Wednesdays, however, are All Request! Send me your favorite songs and we will do it up!
Please click here for a complete list of classes.

If you are looking for Zumba classes in Holyoke, South Hadley or Western Mass, please visit my website for more information.