Comfort Zones

For the past few days I have been thinking a lot about comfort zones that we create for ourselves. Even here in Antigua, being on this crazy adventure, I still limit myself to my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong sometimes having a comfort zone is what keeps us safe, but at the end of the day it is still an artificial box we put around ourselves. More importantly, especially here, I think the real important thing is to trust your instincts. It’s as true in business as it should be in your everyday life.

When you talk about traveling somewhere, people are very quick to inform you of that “friend of a friend” story. Not to say that these aren’t valid concerns, but at the end of the day you need to trust your gut instincts. Mine told me that I needed to be here and I have truly never been so happy in my life. Its not to say that being here doesn’t have its complications. For instance saying goodbye to loved ones or having to study 8 hours a day so you pick up Spanish faster are certainly interesting. But even with all of the so-called or real dangers that persist here, I have never felt more protected in my life.

The people here in Guatemala have been absolutely incredible. Even the other students I have met here have been these amazing people who have similar values and ideals as I do. What consistently impresses me is a lack of fear among the people who travel here. I think you just have to accept that things are beyond your control when you travel, and in many respects I think that is an entirely important reality check. The only thing in this life we can control is our own thoughts, actions and words. Everything else is completely out of your realm of control.

Sometimes I think you’ll find that when you relinquish this need to have complete control of your life, you’ll find that you have the most fun and the greatest experiences. For me I know that I need to keep pushing myself and never cease to push my own boundaries.