Comfort Zones.

It's contrary to believe that I don't seek comfort zones. Each human does, no matter how daring he/she is. Whether your goals involve plunging hundreds of feet in the deep sea without oxygen (#freediving http://ngadventure.typepad.com/blog/2010/11/interview-swed-annelie-pompe-on-snaring-new-free-diving-record-.html) or stepping outside your bedroom more than once a day.

Despite our different devices, we are simple beings and comfort makes us indeed, comfortable. In moving abroad, I tip toed in the cold water of risk, but with each day, the risk decreased and comfort absorbed me just as it would've if I had still been in Magnolia, Iowa, the bubble of my hometown. Why? Because like I said, we are simple beings and comfort doesn't strip us bare, like risk, it delivers our preconceived expectations. Sure, many times we are utterly blissful with these results and could be content with this contentment forever. No problem, to each their own, but if you start to hear the static and feel the stagnation, you know: It's time to step out even further, beyond the "honeymoon stage" of your life. For the comfort bubble is like that extra winter weight you need to shed. Without it, we can push personal records (see above link), if we dare. 

Five months in Spain has me feeling the same, I'm ready to step beyond my personal limitations, or at the least, outside my routine. Today is no better a day. And on fear, the Swedish free diver says it best.

That sounds terrifying to me. How do you deal with fear?

"I believe there are different types of fear. There is the good kind of fear which makes me aware of possible risks and helps me assess risk. It's easy to deal with—I just take care of and minimize possible risks, then the fear is gone. Then there's the bad kind of fear, a kind of fear which puts up limits for you and makes you stop doing things you'd want to do. This fear is usually unwarranted and illogical, like suddenly having fear of darkness in the Swedish waters. I got over this by turning my mind over and starting to like the darkness as something cozy and relaxing."

Do something that terrifies you today.