Growing Pains: Flying From the Comfort Zone

" I didn't want to let you go from under my wings. I just want to keep you safe. Keep all you safe."

- Dad

You said this as you and mom left my one bedroom apartment after visiting me on a sunny Sunday afternoon and all I could say back to you was:

"But Dad, if I never jump, I'll never learn to fly."

And I'm not sure this answer completely satisfied you, because truly I'm not sure any parent wants to watch their baby birds grow up and leave the nest, especially when the gusts and strong winds of adulthood do not cease.

There are many days all I ever want to do is to go back to the comfort of home and back to the place I know so well.

Back home to my parents, who ultimately have become my biggest supporters and best friends because of life's unforgiving curve balls.

But, the road back home will always exist.

Right now, it's time to fly so I can learn what free falling feels like.

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Leaving our comfort zones takes courage and a deep strength we have to dig and almost yearn for.

My first experience with leaving the comfort zone was during my senior year of high school as I took the EMT class that was offered through HOSA.

This class led me to real life experiences and the meaning of teamwork, but most importantly, it took me out of my comfort zone.

This class led to jobs in EMS in which each day a safe amount of anxiety was always present in the stillness due to the uncertainty of what the job would come across. I learned to value life and learned to value education from those around me.

Quite simply I learned to take on a job that scares you, because if something scares you, this is how you know you'll grow.

Growing comes from living an unsteady and uneven life and reaching for a rope that seems worn. Continuously we reach for a more sturdy and safe rope, but when we begin to reach for the rope that is worn, these are our moments of growth.

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EMS was only one of the many experiences of breaching far from the comfort zone. It taught me I had a stern voice when needed. It taught me to lead and how to follow.

And sometimes, you need to be your own stern voice to cross over the comfort zone of everyday life.

Learn to wear colors you might usually not wear. Learn to try new foods you might not usually eat.

Learn to say "I'll go" when a mentor pushes you (to a 54 hour Friday-Sunday StartUp Weekend Event for Innovators) in a direction she thinks is healthy for you. (Gabriela Wilson, this one is to you!)

Learn to expand your comfort zone from as far East to as far West because when you do, adventure will seek your soul.

Let yourself spread your wings and understand the unending limits of your own wingspan.

You are meant for flying, all it takes is just one courageous leap.

Be radiant always,

Sydney