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Last year, I chose messy as my word of the year, and focusing on that word from time to time helped me to learn some new art techniques and to be freer with myself when I create. I worked on enjoying the process of creating art, rather than focusing on whether or not the finished piece was going to look exactly like I imagined it in my head, or exactly like it “should” look. It was a learning experience, a freeing experience and I definitely grew artistically.
When I think of my comfort zone, I think of being healthy and not having to deal with surgery, pain, discomfort physically. I think of feeling safe, secure in my decisions and warm. I think of contentment and serenity, love and calm. All of these are good attributes.
When Hurricane Sandy hit our area in October of last year, I immediately wanted to start a project to collect socks. But I was initially – for about the first 36 hours of my idea – a bit fearful of the idea as well. How could I take something like this on? What if I only received a few pairs of socks? What if I failed? How would I even manage such a process?
As those of you who are regular readers already know, I did step out of my comfort zone big-time, with the encouragement of many of my DIY blogger friends from the Hometalk community. With their support and help, I had the courage to step up and create Socks for Sandy which has been an overwhelmingly great success!
I stepped out of my comfort zone. And I was ok. And as I found my rhythm, I was more than ok. This experience reminded me that I want to push myself to feel uncomfortable at times so that I can trust myself to leave the safety of my comfort zone and know that whatever the outcome, I’ll be richer for the experience.
At the same time, I also think being in my comfort zone is a good thing when necessary, such as those times when you know in your heart that the correct answer is “No” even though everyone expects you to say “Yes.” Or when you know your body is telling you to take a break and you choose to curl up with a good book rather than go out on the town with friends. That’s when my comfort zone nurtures and restores me, both physically and mentally.
So my word of the year for 2013 will actually be words of the year: My Comfort Zone. Knowing when it is smart to retreat inside of my comfort zone, and also stretching and reaching in new directions outside of my comfort zone which will help me grow as an artist, a blogger and as a person.
I’m looking forward to stepping in and out of my comfort zone this year. And I’m happy to have you along for the journey too! In fact, I already did step out artistically by choosing to design and make printables, which are so popular right now. And I chose my comfort zone theme to share one of my favorite sayings:
If you are pinning this, please pin from this blog post and not from the printable link.
My free printables are offered for your personal use only. Please do not alter, sell, or craft with this printable for profit.
I hope this printable inspires you to leave your safe harbor every so often.
What’s your word of the year for 2013? Did you blog about it? Let me know in the comments!
~Laura
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Congrats on finding a word(s). Love it!
Thanks Jennifer! I figured that “my comfort zone” sounded much better than my original idea of “uncomfortable” did! 🙂
I’ll have to think of something. I did begin a journal into which I write down one positive thing about each day of 2013 to revisit on New Year’s Eve.
That sounds like a great project for 2013, MCatherine!
Love it! The glow is a nice touch. Your word for last year is my word for this year. I just wrote about how I am focusing on letting go of the outcome and enjoying the process of putting color and shapes on paper.
I can relate to your comfort zone thoughts too. Listening to my body has never been a strength of mine, and I say yes when I mean no way too much. Thanks for sharing yourself with us!
xoxo
Thank you so much Johnnie! You’ve chosen a great word – messy – for 2013, as it truly IS a freeing word for creating! As for listening to my body: I’m actually great with that…sometimes to the point of just not wanting to leave my comfort zone at all! LOL Thus, my challenge for this year!
What an inspiring post. I need to learn to step out of my comfort zone more often. Good for you for creating Socks For Sandy and good for Sandy!
Thanks so much Kathy! 🙂 The good news is that we can always go back to our comfort zone afterwards…and then that zone will have actually increased in size with our newly acquired skills! (Of course I plan on practicing what I’m preaching here! LOL)
Just beautiful!
Why thank you, Pamela! I’m so glad you like it!
Hi, Laura. I love your words for the year. I especially love messy for last year! My word last year was presence and I haven’t really identified one for this year yet.
Thanks for leaving a comment on my Valentine’s Centerpiece. I have enjoyed learning more about you through blogtalk and the tremendous undertaking the Socks for Sandy has been.
Marty@Marty’s Musings
Thanks Marty! I like your word for last year, and look forward to hearing what you choose for 2013. 🙂 The pleasure was all mine re: your Valentine’s Centerpiece!
I love your word/phrase! I think we grow the most when we step out of our comfort zone. What a great principle to strive towards in the new year! And that printable is awesome!
Thanks and thanks, Jill! 🙂 And not only do we grow when we step out of our comfort zone — our comfort zone itself expands with the knowledge of the newly acquired skill or task that we tackled! 🙂
Hi Laura, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/
Thanks so much, Chris! I just spent an enjoyable time on your blog AND on your Pinterest boards — I love the boards you’ve put together there! Glad to have met you this way! 🙂
Love the printable! And your phrase for the year. Perfect! I picked a word for the year but I also need to do a bit of stepping outside of my comfort zone this year myself. 🙂
xo
Nancy
Thanks so much Nancy! I love YOUR word too, as well as your description of it – a good reminder for me as well! (I’ll keep it cryptic so people have to go over and check it out because it’s worth it!)