comfort...

A lot of you out there think that I'm fearless, that because I have an overabundance of self-confidence, that I can do anything. I love you for thinking it, but I have to burst that bubble. I'm human. And while, yes, I am very confident in who I am, there are things that I don't feel comfortable doing (it's not fear, as I know it won't hurt to do it, it's just that it's uncomfortable and I like comfort).

But it's become very very apparent to me that if I am going to be successful in my business then I must get uncomfortable. I have to be willing to step outside the comfort zone. It's a choice, it's a intentional action. And I have to make it and take it.

So today, I did.

It started at the blood bank. I gave the receptionist an Arbonne sample. Now, I've handed out samples, but usually to people that I know or have some relationship with. But I've only see this gal twice, and I only know her name because she wears a name tag (I'm SO bad at asking and remembering names). But after my donation, I stopped to make my next appointment and then I offered her the sample.

And yet, that just put me on the line. It wasn't really outside the comfort zone, just in the borderlines. So tonight I went to my favorite Thai eatery. While I was eating and reading (yes, I take along reading material when I dine alone), a couple with a young baby sat at the table next to me. The dad played with the child (who was three months or less, by my guess), and the little boy smiled at me and we made faces at each other for a few moments.

As I returned my focus to my dinner, I felt that prompting in my gut that I should give them a sample. And sure enough, I had a baby sample in my purse. So I kept eating and thought about it. As the meal progressed, I could tell from the tone of the new mother's voice that she was stressed and a bit on edge. The same prompting told me she could use something nice.

So I pulled out another sample, this one of the firming body cream and body wash. I paid my bill, and then interrupted them for just a moment to share the samples. It took less than a minute--I didn't push, I just said, "Hi. I just wanted to share these amazing baby products with you and your adorable son. And because all new mothers deserve some care, here's something for you. I hope you enjoy them." And then I left.

Yes, my card is in the samples. I hope they call. But even if they don't, I did what I needed to do.

And it didn't kill me. Comfort zone does not equal safety. And stepping outside it doesn't mean danger, just growth.

I'd say that was a good day's work.

insanity...

I was watching a channel tonight that I rarely watch (for those who know me well, you are aware that I mostly watch one channel--usa network, the rest is just fluff) and after the show ended (Whose Line is it Anyway?) an infomercial came on...for Insanity.

It's a workout program that is, well, insane. And as I'm sitting here with sore arms from a pathetic workout yesterday, I'm thinking, "hey, I want to do that." Guess it lives up to it's name, because in the state I'm in, there's not a chance on this green and blue world that I could do it.

But the "trainer" guy seemed like someone I could trust--he kept saying things like "you do as much as you can for as long as you can. Don't worry, you'll get better." I mean, wow, that's nice. No yelling at me that I'm scum, no being overly dorky (remember Richard Simmons?), and casting vision for the future.

And if you do the program for 60 days, and send them a before and after shot, they'll send you a free tee-shirt that says, "Insanity," on the front and, "I earned it!" on the back.

Anyway, I did not order the program, more from lack of funds than desire, because we all know I'm already insane.

But do I have to have the newest program to get in shape? It might help, but I don't NEED it. I have a gym membership paid through June of 2012. I have a whole shelf of workout dvd's, from yoga to walking to balance ball. I have the equipment I need to do said workouts.

I just need to do them.

And I'm getting better about that. Last week I made it to the gym twice. No rooster is going to crow about it, but hey, it was two times more than the previous week, and that's not too shabby. This week I've already been once (for the record, in my world, weeks start on Monday and end on Sunday). And tonight I pulled out one of the yoga dvd's I've never done and did two of the four practices--and it was good. I sometimes forget that I really do like yoga.

Tomorrow I plan to get to the gym. In fact, I have to go throw my gym clothes in the laundry so they are ready for me.

And in other news, go read Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World. It's by N.D. Wilson and it will blow your mind. And whoever buys me a copy for my birthday will be my favorite person for the whole rest of the month. Promise :P