Getting Uncomfortable: Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone to Find Happiness

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woman sitting on cliff overlooking a lake Providence Moms Blog

When you face that figurative fork in the road, which way do you go?

I’ve spent so many of my years following in the path more traveled that I know for sure I’ve missed some opportunities along the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken my fair share of risks, and have done some interesting things in my time, but I always fall back on the reliable and sensible thing to do.

I knew I would go to college. Initially, my intentions were to go out-of-state and study pre-law (so exciting). This would’ve been way out of my element; leave my single mom, the small town I grew up in and study pre-law at a huge University in Connecticut? I even signed the letter of intent. In the months leading up to graduation, the anxiety set in. And there I was, applying to Bridgewater State College, spring of senior year, hoping to get accepted so I could stay closer to home, closer to friends, safely in my comfort zone.

“The lust for comfort murders the passions of the soul.” – Khalil Gibran

Over the next few years, I got married, graduated with my Master’s, and got a job (close to home, of course). We were staying with my in-laws at the time and had settled into a life that allowed us to live but not grow. The days were so similar, so predictable.

Then one day I woke up and realized it wasn’t enough. Comfortable wasn’t enough for me. Comfortable didn’t equate happy. Comfortable wasn’t fulfilling. I was uncomfortable in the comfortable.

On the other hand, change can be terrifying. How and where do I start? What if it doesn’t work out? Wouldn’t it be easier to just continue on my path? When change starts to pull you out of your comfort zone, questions, doubts, and fears fill your mind. But when you’re ready, you’re ready. Shut those thoughts off, and keep moving forward.

Then I started making moves. I started listening to what I really wanted and needed in my life. I kept myself open to opportunities and relationships. I grew. I stopped making the sensible choice all the time and I started living for the moment, being present and found so much strength in myself.

Was it easy? No.

Was it worth it? Yes.

Today I feel more confident and in touch with who I am as a woman, mother, and wife. I feel wildly capable and confident, but equally unsure. I remind myself to be grateful for even the most seemingly insignificant parts of my life.

Life is too short, too valuable, to be spent asking what if. 

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Chelsea Boucher
Chelsea was born in Providence and spent her early years in Pawtucket, before moving to South-East MA. She was recently called back to Rhode Island where she purchased her first home. As most moms do, Chelsea wears many hats these days. She’s been married to her husband for 10 years and spent her early 20s supporting him as he served in the United States Marine Corps. She has a one year old son, Cannon, who keeps her on her feet and a smile on her face. She owns a fitness and wellness studio in Rehoboth, called Barre & Moon. Where she spends quite a few evenings and weekends working with an amazing group of empowered, positive women. And when she’s not doing all of that, she is working part-time as a Special Education teacher in Foxboro. Chelsea attended both the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and Bridgewater State University, graduating with degrees in English, Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education. Education is greatly important to her, and she continues to stay updated on current teachings in education/child psychology. She loves Starbucks, and all things Target. Exercise is a huge part of her life, anything from yoga, to barre, to weightlifting, to just chasing her son around on the playground! Staying active and having fun with family and friends are what she is all about.