Try Something New

As I continue my fitness journey, and just life in general, I have decided that at this point in my life it is time to just LEAP!  To try things.  The mantra in my head that plays often is "you only live once."

It's so true.  You have one life in which to do everything you are ever going to.  At least for me, I'm going to make it worth it!!

I've made a few leaps of faith lately.  Some HUGE, others minor things, but all were meaningful for me.

First off back in June I left my comfortable job on the medical rehab unit in my hospital, abbreviated the MRU, to try my hand at Critical care nursing.  Yup, I applied for a position in the ICU and I got it.

Gulp.

I mean, on the MRU I knew my stuff.  I was charge nurse often.  I precepted new nurses.  I took larger, harder patient assignments without much difficulty.  In the ICU, I knew nothing.  Ok well, not nothing but there were so many things I did not know. It was almost easier to just count those that I did.  It was overwhelming.  And it was scary.  And it was hard to be back to being an orientee that didn't know her stuff.  But it was good.  It helped me grow as a person and a nurse.

I just finished my ICU orientation.  My next shift I am on my own.  I am nervous.  But I am prepared.  And I am smart enough to know what I don't know yet and to ask for help.  I'm proud that I took the step to grow in my profession.  And I am glad I was brave enough to step out of my comfort zone.

This summer I also started this fitness coaching gig.  To be honest, for me it's a win win.  I'm doing the things anyway.  I'm working out, I'm eating clean, I'm drinking my superfood shake, I'm getting stronger, I'm building a lifestyle of health.  So why not share that journey??  Why not help other people do the same thing and change their lives as I am changing mine??

So I did it.  I signed on as a coach and I am so grateful I did.  Once again, it makes me move outside my comfort zone. It makes me take a leap of faith.  It helps me to make new friends. It gives me a whole community of people that are rooting for me and that support me in this life.

Sometimes, it feels uncomfortable to share my journey. It feels awkward to message a new person and just make a conversation.  It felt strange to begin to post about how I was changing my life.. but now..  it's just what I do.   It's my life and I'm happy to be able to share how I am improving it with all of you.

In less life changing news.. in the past week I've also sucked it up and tried not one but TWO new fitness classes.  The first was I took a class at a boxing gym.  I went with a friend, and while it felt a bit awkward, I just made an intentional effort to get over myself and just try.  And you know what?? I got a great workout in and I had fun.  I'm going back again this week!!

I also just got home from a power yoga class at my girls' dance studio.  It's an adult class offered on a drop in basis and I decided to just go for it.  And I'm so excited... I could tell during that class that my efforts are paying off.. I'm getting stronger!!!  There was floor/plank work during the class and I was able to do moves that I couldn't do before.  And best of all my kids said I was pretty good at yoga.. :P  And you all know tweenage girls are not the easiest to impress..

So I'm going to shower because I need to.. but I'll leave you with this...

Life begins at the END of your comfort zone.

Cliche'? possibly.. but who cares!!  It's true.  Get out there and shut up whatever stupid voice in your head is telling you that you can't do whatever it is you have been wanting to try and JUST go for it!!

After all... you only get one life.