You know those imaginary lines we draw around our life… the limit that’s set for yourself. GET RID OF THEM. The amount of joy, talent, excitement, and lessons that are not experienced because the irrationality of letting fear, embarrassment, or laziness stand in your way is often a sad reality. At the beginning of each month I set myself a small game plan of how I want to spend my time. My goal for September was to step outside of at least one boundary I set for myself. A simple and realistic goal to be able to reach, but first I had to look inward and figure out in what areas of my life was I holding myself back. What boundary did I want to step out of?
First I broke my life down into major categories and I feel like my daily habits and rituals place me in.
- EXERCISE & FITNESS
- WORK
- LEISURE TIME
- FOOD & NUTRITION
- SOCIAL LIFE
Five major categories the majority of my time and energy go towards at this moment in my life. I can successfully say this so far this month I have stepped out of several boundaries and have started to get rid of them entirely surrounding my social life, leisure time, work and exercise.
For (1) exercise I tried a new sport and tried a new group exercise class. I have been thinking about going to go rock climbing for a while now and finally just made the decision and had a blast doing it. I have rock climbed before as a kid but it has been quite sometime to where it is not a comfortable activity to do. Getting over a little bit of nerve and the fact that I didn’t know how well I’d do was holding me back.
Boundary (2) work… I went and auditioned for a coaching position at a fitness boutique that I had only stepped foot in once before, actually just earlier that day. I decided you know what … why the heck not, I can do anything or at least try. This experience enhanced my confidence in my coaching skills and was a ton of fun. I took that boundary and threw it out the window and it felt great.
Leisure time (3), ahh yes what do I always do when I have nothing I need to be doing. Typically I will choose to watch a show on Netflix or Amazon and zone out for a bit. Usually a murder mystery show, something a little suspenseful. This past week I decided to start reading a book I have had sitting on my shelf for the past year. A boundary I have set for myself is that reading is not a relaxing activity, I had the thought that reading is associated to work or school. I haven’t felt like I could actually chill down and get into a novel. For the past four years the only books I felt like I had time for were text books for various college courses. It is a whole other feeling to read a book that you’re not being tested on.
Lastly boundary (5) my social life. For some reason I haven’t ever really thought that I should be friends with my coworkers. I always kept my social life and work life completely separate, even tho I have worked with some really great people. I’m not talking about getting too personal but a casual outing after work or even a work gathering outside of the office. I have been standoffish and reluctant to hang out with coworkers. Knowing that this month was about not letting limiting thoughts hold me back, when my new coworkers invited me out after our shift finished I decided to go. Even though in my head I was thinking “but I could go home and snuggle up with a good movie instead.” I ended having a great time and making some new friends. Experiences and opportunities I would not of had if I decided to not step out of these boundaries I live comfortably in.
I encourage you all to try something new, make your decision and stick with it. Break down those boundaries holding you in your comfortable zone. As always live your life healthy and happy.
Stay Fit,
Cassandra