“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsch
My car mechanic recently told me I need new spark plugs for my car. Spark plugs, as you may know, create a spark to ignite the fuel to start your car. Without them…well, your car would just sit in your driveway.
It got me thinking that most of us could use new spark plugs for our lives too, especially in winter! 😊
In the North, winter can feel like a time of stagnation, where the cold weather makes us retreat into our homes, cozying up under blankets to hibernate and wait for spring. And while this seems natural given the season, the challenge is that many people find themselves slipping into boredom and the “winter blues.”
Thankfully, there’s another option…
When you notice that you’re feeling “blah” (regardless of the reason or season), you can use it as an opportunity to break free from monotony, shake things up, and add some excitement back into your life. If you’re feeling stuck or bored or apathetic, stepping outside your comfort zone to try something new can be a powerful way to rejuvenate your spirit and add joy back into your life.
So here are some ideas to help you create a spark and reignite your life!
The importance of variety
“Variety is the soul of pleasure.” — Aphra Behn
Life is meant to be lived fully and experienced with enjoyment. But when we stick to our routines and stay inside our comfort zones, we can inadvertently limit our growth and happiness.
Variety is not just the spice of life…it’s the fuel that ignites our passions and propels us forward. By challenging ourselves to try new things, we can cultivate confidence, discover hidden passions, and create new friendships.
Here are 10 ways to step outside your comfort zone and infuse variety into your routine:
1. Join a new class: Whether it’s yoga, painting or cooking, enrolling in a class can expose you to new skills and people. Look for local community centers or online classes that pique your interest. (I just tried pickleball for the first time & loved it! I also started a new online dance class on BODI.)
2. Volunteer: Giving back can be incredibly fulfilling. Look for local charities or organizations that resonate with your values. Not only will you help others, but you may also find a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the world around you.
3. Try outdoor activities: Embrace the winter weather by trying snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or even dogsledding or winter hiking. The beauty of nature during this season can be breathtaking! (Here in Ottawa, we are fortunate to have several wonderful skating options, including the Rideau Canal, the Rink of Dreams downtown, the refrigerated rink at Lansdowne, and Icelynd, a lighted woodland trail.)
4. Start a new hobby: Always wanted to learn to play an instrument, try diamond dotting, or write a novel? Now’s the time! Set aside a few hours each week to invest in this new passion.
5. Go to a new neighbourhood: Visit another neighbourhood nearby and try out a new coffee shop, restaurant, or even grocery store. You’ll be surprised how such a simple change can add variety to your regular routine!
6. Travel somewhere new: If possible, try out a new travel destination. Even a day trip or weekend visit to a nearby city or town can be lovely for a retreat/get-away. Exploring new places can refresh your perspective and inspire creativity.
7. Host a gathering: Invite friends over for a themed potluck or a game night. Connecting with others can break the winter blues, relieve loneliness, and strengthen relationships.
8. Attend local events: Check out online listings for local events, markets, or festivals (Meetup and Eventbrite are good sources for activities). Engaging with your community can open doors to new experiences.
9. Read outside your genre: Pick up a book you normally wouldn’t read, to expand your horizons and introduce you to different perspectives.
10. Listen to new music: Try listening to a new genre of music. Ask your friends for recommendations, or check out my empowering Spotify playlists (scroll to the bottom of the page).
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of stagnation…it can be a time of introspection and exploration. Challenge yourself to do something new each month—be it cooking a new recipe, trying a new sport, or visiting a new place.
By stepping outside your comfort zone and adding some variety to your life, you can relieve feelings of boredom and discover new passions. Embrace the chill, and let this winter be your season of rediscovery!
xo Karen
P.S. Feel free to share this post with others who may benefit!
Resources
If you’d like more support in making this year your best yet, I invite you to join me for my free masterclass, where I will show you how to create Your Most Awesome Year Ever!
See also:
Share your ideas
What ideas do you have for getting out of your comfort zone? Please share…
0 Comments