It was 8 AM on a grey Spring morning and I am gearing up to go on my first hiking trip with Outsiders.

The forecast called for highs in the upper 50s with an afternoon drizzle so I knew I needed to pack at the very least a rainproof jacket. I am a notorious over-packer and this was no exception. Plus I had no idea what I was actually getting myself into.

Here I am, someone that really doesn’t like to hike, slightly overweight, and with minimal coordination, I am asking myself, “Why in the hell did I think this was a good idea?” Alas, I committed, and I was going.

“What if I fall?” “What if I can't keep up?” “What if I hurt myself?”

I am a New Yorker, I can walk for hours with zero complaints. I know hiking is just walking in nature but for some reason, I get weary about it. All of the “What if’s…” come into play. “What if I fall?” “What if I can't keep up?” “What if I hurt myself?” You get the point. All of these thoughts are common and real fears. No one wants to hurt themselves or be left behind or slow down the group because they are riding the struggle bus up a hill. I am also not a fan of inclines. Flat surfaces all day baby! Hills are just meant to torture anyone that decides to be foolish enough to climb them.

As we arrive at the trail and hop out of the vans, you can immediately spot the go-getters and hardcore hikers with their walking sticks and here I am wearing yellow and orange to make sure I can be spotted in case I need to be medevac out of there. As the group separated into two groups, my tensions started to ease up a little bit. At least I am with a group, I thought. I won't be left behind alone worst-case scenario. I spotted the fittest-looking guy in our group and thought, he could totally pick me up and carry me if I need him to. I was rationalizing my fears and coming up with a game plan just in case.

“all of my fears were coming true. I was at the back of the group, riding the struggle bus”

Moments later up the trail, we went. At some points of what was told to me as a beginner/intermediate level hike, all of my fears were coming true. I was at the back of the group, riding the struggle bus, breathing heavily, and doubting if I was going to make it. The trail guide that was leading up the rear promised me that we are in this together. “No one left behind!” – We joked. Knowing that I have the guy who can pick my semi-flabby butt up and fling me over their shoulders was right behind me, giving me words of encouragement was everything I needed to make it up this godforsaken mountain. (It was a hill but might as well have been Mount Everest.)

As the trail flattened out and I was able to catch my breath, dare I even say, get to the middle of the group with my city stride, I started talking with the other Outsiders. Listening to what everyone does for a living, where they live, what they did Friday night, how they prepped for the trip, and if anyone was anxious about hiking as much as I was. Yes, in fact, others were just like me and had all the “what ifs..” too! I felt validated. My weird phobias about hiking in the wilderness are so weird after all.

We were all getting out of our comfort zones and trying something new. It's easy to go to brunch on a Saturday afternoon and drink your fair share of mimosas. It’s a completely different thing to commit to something that is not within the five boroughs and consciously know you are going to be too challenging yourself. I know the more you get out of your comfort zone, the more you are growing and evolving. I also know that by stepping out of your comfort zone, surprise, you are uncomfortable. That is where many people fail in life by not getting out and trying new things because they know it is not going to feel amazing. Especially at first. The likelihood of anyone being perfect at something their first go around is slim to none. No one likes to fail or not be good at something. Something I learned a long time ago is that failure is only feedback. Another way of looking at it is, failure is just a learning opportunity.

Grow and evolve knowing that it's going to be uncomfortable.Fumble around a little bit. Laugh at yourself and try not to take it too seriously.

The point is to actually try. Go out there and be like Nike and just do it! Get out of your comfort zone. Grow and evolve knowing that it's going to be uncomfortable. Fumble around a little bit. Laugh at yourself and try not to take it too seriously.

On my second outing, a lot of my fears subsided and I felt more at ease. That’s the thing about the CZ, as you grow, so does it! Now go out there and be uncomfortable!

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone