I think that a lot of us can attest to letting ourselves stagnate at different points in our lives. We get comfortable and stay there, because it is easy and doesn’t rock the boat. And that works for us! There is comfort in routine and sameness and the predictable. I am someone that really thrives on being able to know what is coming next, and someone that likes having a routine that rarely goes off course. I like to do things in the same order each day, and have a weekly schedule that rarely changes. I like to find what works and stick with it, you know? My kids seem to be like this, too, so now we live a fairly regimented lifestyle that if we deter off of it, it shows. Cranky attitudes and meltdowns abound. And that’s just me. Ha! So we stick to a routine and sameness and the known.

Except sometimes this bothers me, and I have to shake things up! I see someone else living a daring life and I want to do that, too. I want to throw caution to the wind and tale more risks, be it a new exercise routine, a different hair color, a job that initially scares me, or a way of getting dressed. And doesn’t it sound stupid that getting dressed in a different way than I do can be scary? You see, I saw a girl wearing shorts and tights on a blog a couple of years ago and I was immediately intrigued. I thought, “How COOL does she look!  I wish I could pull that off.” I was too scared to try it, even though I liked it on her and felt it would suit me. I worried what others would think. Until one day I said, “Screw it,” and I put those shorts and tights on and left the house. I decided not to care what other people thought and wore it because I felt good. 

Sometimes life is about daring to try something outside of your comfort zone. It’s about wearing that certain something you’ve been eyeing and have been afraid to try, or taking that class that has always intrigued you, or shaking up your work life so you can do what makes you happy. I often feel that writing this blog and posting things near and dear to my heart is my way of daring to be different. I put myself out there, knowing that there are often people that think it is ridiculous and selfish, but because I feel that it is meaningful and special to me, I continue to do it. I wear shorts and tights knowing it looks different than most of those around me, I take that job at work that is outside of my comfort zone, or I go to an event when I would really rather stay at home. I dare myself to be the best me I can be, so I can live the life I have always imagined. Without regrets.