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Friday, November 5, 2010

Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Young man jumping into lake

Yesterday, I received a really great email.  It was from a woman I had just met.  A woman who had just picked up a copy of Chasing Superwoman.

“Wow, I just read the first 20 pages and even though I don’t have small children and am not particularly religious, your writing is still talking to me!”

Why did this email mean so much? 

Here’s the quick background. 

This week, I attended a conference of women lawyers and spoke about Chasing Superwoman.  And I was pretty nervous.  What would my peers (and my client!) think about me when I opened up my soul?  Would they think I was too religious?  Even a Jesus freak?

For the record, women lawyers are a tough group.  (I know, I’m one of them.)  Which is why I was a little scared to share my story.  In fact, the woman who sent me the email told me straight up that she was initially reluctant to open my book – yeah, it seemed a little too “religious.”  (I was more than thrilled when she went on to say she didn’t find my writing to be preachy or judgmental – so she kept reading!)

Stepping out of your comfort zone usually involves some risk.  Even some uncertainty.  There’s no guarantee people will respond the way you want them to.  In fact, every time I put myself “out there” I usually have a few second thoughts.

Why don’t I just play it safe?  Why do I have to push the envelope?  What if it backfires?

I still have a lot to learn about stepping out of my comfort zone.  But one thing’s for sure.  It keeps life interesting, doesn’t it? 

In this case, I even made a new friend.

10 comments:

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Susan,

I think this is why I loved your book so much. You weren't preaching. You weren't doing anything but being real--honest!

I take risks all the time. Part of my wiring. It's crazy. I think half of it is God nudging me and half the time I think I'm a loon. ;)

Happy weekend!
~ Wendy

Amy Sullivan said...

Susan,
Good for you! Sometimes when I am faced with things outside of my comfort zone, I back up and decide at the last minute not to stretch myself.

So proud of you, and it is good for me to remember all the good that does come when we take risks...new friend? That's great!

Susan DiMickele said...

Thanks so much ladies. Your comments really inspire and encourage me. I was speaking to these women lawyers and I found myself telling them about my "online friends." I think they all thought I was a little nutty. It's something you just have to experience.

Katie Ganshert said...

I was wondering how it went Susan!! So happy God blessed your courage!

R. Molder said...

That's great Susan! I'm so proud of you!!! hope you enjoyed DC

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

So cool, Susan! I had an experience similar to this and it really blew me away, too.

Stretch us, Lord.

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

How wonderful, Susan! God's way of giving you the wink and two thumbs up! :)

Tana said...

Oh I saw your tweet and I prayed for you! I'm so thrilled it went well! What a great lesson for us all to step out of our comfort zones. =)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

This very brave thing you did has brought rewards, so congrats! I know what you mean. Until a woman has worked in an environment like law, science, or a secular university, it might be hard to understand why getting up in public as a person of faith can be a challenge. But knowing what a risk that would be, I am very happy you stepped up!

Anonymous said...

You deserve a big congratulations for what you did. There are not a lot of people so willing to get out there, to stand up in front of a crowd despite the fear and feelings of intimidation. That's courageous, and you are right - it makes life interesting. Because those risks are going to bring rewards - touching people's lives, your own personal growth, perhaps another speaking engagement... And I bet next time will be easier.