For as long as I could remember, I craved routine. I brought my own pillow to childhood sleepovers, wore the same pair of jeans almost every day of the 6th grade, and set my alarm at the same ungodly hour every morning during my recruitment career. I was the person who scoffed at inspirational posters with quotes like, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” or “Leap and the net will appear.”

Although it was initially cancer that released me off the cliff of certainty and into the wild unknown, it was my leap from patient to international volunteer where I started to see the upside of getting out of my comfort zone.

Even though I was terrified to volunteer in South Africa in 2011, the minute I arrived, I felt both excited and liberated. I connected with inspiring fellow volunteers, soaked in the beauty and complexity of a new country, and fell head over heels in love with a group of 2 and 3 year olds who shifted my perspective forever.

That was only the beginning of a new practice of leaning into feeling uncomfortable. Whether it’s traveling somewhere I have never been, designing and facilitating a new program, or sharing my story, I still navigate my fears. Every time I step out of my comfort zone, I have shaky hands and clammy skin. Every time, I question why I am choosing the unknown over safety. But, every time, I feel more empowered, more myself, and more ready for what comes next. Choosing to put myself “out there” has introduced me to new friends and experiences I would have missed out on completely, had I not chosen to step into both fear and possibility.

If you have been thinking about stepping outside of your comfort zone and you’re not sure where to start – beyond the cliched quotes on social media – check out this podcast where five TED speakers share their stories about the upside of getting uncomfortable:

The TED Radio Hour: Comfort Zone:

Then, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to share your stories and comments below about what has helped you step out of your comfort zone. You never know whose life you might touch with your words.