Stepping out of my comfort zone is exactly that...it's my comfort area and it takes courage to leave it. I would say I'm a risk taker. I love trying and doing new things. I love to learn. But, I make decisions carefully and through my filter. In that way, I'm safe.
I don't like to fail. So, when I'm trying new things I still like to make sure my chances of succeeding are "ever in my favor." (movie line.)
I also don't like to lose...yes, even a board game. I like to win. I'm the kind of person who would keep playing games until I end on a win so I can sleep with a smile. :)
I also don't like to waste. Time, Money, Effort, or just being away from my family. So, I make decisions weighing it against the things I value most.
That's my comfort zone.
But...I have something pulling on my heart. I'm going to step out of my comfort zone and blog about my next step.
I'm 38 and I don't have a college degree. Out of high school I travelled, worked full time, did ministry and was content. I captured my first wedding in 2003, took one photography class and said to myself, "I got this!" And spent the last 11 years building and reshaping my Wedding and Portrait business. I am so thankful.
I love business, especially "the success of small business = the american dream". I also love mentoring and building into people. So, I'm going back to school to study business, marketing, communications, leadership and hopefully a couple art history classes (just for fun.) I don't know if I'll get a 2 year, 4 year or 4 year and a masters...I just know that I'm going back to school. AND I know, I will change me...It will improve my photography business, help me mentor other photographers and maybe help me to start a second business. Why not? My baby girl is going to be in school starting next September so I'll have tons of time on my hands.
So there you have it. I'm stepping out and I'm a little scared. But, I'm ready to learn.
It's hard to face the next season without having a ton of emotions...but, I'm embracing the truth that I'm allowed to feel all of them. Today, I'm excited and nervous because I don't want to fail, I want to win, and I don't want this to be a waste. Nothing is certain, but I know this, when I am stepping out of my comfort zone:
Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.