Comfort Zones and Warriors.

A couple of years ago I was asked to do a mini “Ted” type talk for the Division of Continuing Education at Linfield College.  So, being me, I talked about pooping in the wilderness. Well, that was the example I used for encouraging people to challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zone.

This weekend I found myself well out of my comfort zone high atop a 30 foot wall as part of the St. Judes Warrior Dash. I had no problem climbing to the top using the knotted ropes as I “walked” up the wall.  At the top, I had a moment (or two) of self doubt which I apparently verbalized and it went something like this:  How am I going to get over the top, I can’t do this, I can do this, why am I doing this, I am going back down the rope, I can’t do this, I want a rope and harness, I can do this… and so on. With the encouragement of friends and strangers, I finally convinced myself to swing one leg over and sat, nervously perched on top of the “Great Warrior Wall”.  Although catching my breath and taking a moment to calm myself was overall good, the continual shaking as other “warriors” tackled the wall was a bit disconcerting.  So, I decided the best option was to climb down the wall and be done with it.  I did.  I am happy to say that I conquered the “Great Warrior Wall”.

The rest of the Warrior Dash was a fantastic experience (in retrospect, so was the wall).  You will find me at next years Warrior Dash- and this time, I am going to fly over the wall.

 I can do this.