We all have our comfort zones - those areas that make us feel emotionally secure and safe. We know what foods we are fond of, our favorite reading genres, what style of clothes we like. We avoid things that cause anxiety, or things we think we won't like. There is nothing wrong with comfort zones, we need them. But sometimes it is fun, as well as good for us, to explore the territory outside our comfort zones. Doing so can stretch us, give us more confidence, make us feel brave. We can always do something to stretch and grow.

My friend, Janet, had never had a pedicure until a few months ago. She did not like the thought of people touching her feet, she was embarrassed about her dry skin, plus Janet was afraid it would tickle. Yet she always admired other peoples' pretty polished toes and wished hers looked as good. Finally, one day as sandal season approached, Janet took a deep breath and made an appointment for a pedicure, reasoning the manicurist had seen lots of dry, scaly, feet, and probably had had ticklish people too. She loved the result so much she now goes regularly. A small step outside of her comfort zone perhaps, but one that brought a happy change in her life.

Kevin had just moved to a new city and wanted to meet people, but he was not the most extroverted person, nor did he want to do the bar scene. Browsing on the internet one day, he came upon a local group wanting to form a bocce ball team. Though he had never played before, Kevin decided to give it a shot, and now has a new group of friends he not only plays bocce with but goes camping and with who he enjoys other activities.

You could even make the trip beyond your comfort borders a group or family endeavor. Go together to try an ethnic restaurant you know nothing about. Order different dishes and share tastes. The outing might be so much fun you decide to do it regularly.

Sometimes, of course, trying something new does not lead to a new love. Emma decided to try quilting because two of her friends were passionate about it, and she loved the things they made. However, after completing one square of a 12 square quilt, she realized she did not have the patience for this hobby. Mary and Joan decided to try a Thai restaurant. Mary loved the food, Joan had indigestion. Patty joined a book group that some of her friends belonged to, but seldom enjoyed the selections. She dropped out of that one, but is hopeful that she will find a more compatible reading group in the future.

Of course, there's no way you're going to know whether you like or dislike something until you try...and knowing is much better than wondering, 'what if?'

Trying new things can certainly be scary, but the potential rewards are great. You may make new friends, increase your creativity, feel more confident, even happier, and more energized. And once you have done it, you will likely find it easier in the future. What will you try this month?

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the OCTOBER 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the OCTOBER Issue...

Wabi Sabi...Joy in the Imperfect
How to find beauty in life's imperfections and accept the natural cycles of life

Relax, Regroup, and Unwind
Shoulders tight? Jaw clenched. Here are 14 ways to help you relax, regroup and unwind

Halloween Fun for Adults
Don't leave all the fun to the kids this year. Adults can enjoy Halloween as well

5 Ways We Waste Perfectly Good Stuff...and How to Stop
It's just as easy to waste perfectly good stuff as it is to be more mindful of making an effort to not waste things. Here are some suggestions to follow

Have You Checked Your Fire Extinguisher Lately?
When was the last time you thought about your fire extinguisher? Be honest. Most folks haven't since the day it was purchased and stashed away. But it's vital to be sure your have at least one that's available, the proper type for the room you have it in, and that it's charged up if you need it

Find time to Read...Whether You 'Have To' or You 'Want To'
'So many books, so little time.' Here are a bunch of ideas to help you find time to start turning those pages

What's the Meaning Behind That?
'He's cool as a cucumber.' 'You should really get your ducks in a row.' Where in the world did these phrases originate?

A Kicked Up Classic Combo
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup have been considered comfort food for years now...and you are going to be delighted with this kicked up version: Roasted Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese with Apple and Bacon

Candy Corn
Whether you love it or hate it, the story behind it is pretty fun. Learn about this autumn confection that's selling like crazy in nearly every store selling candy right now

Just for You this Month
It's a great month for YOU...to do things you enjoy and that help you unwind and lift your spirits

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on October 4th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Motivation Set yourself up for success from the get-go. Here's how...
getorganizednow.com/motivation-set-success.html



GON October Organizing Checklist Ensure your home, family, job, and life are all boo-tifully organized. Start today with our NEW October Organizing Checklist
getorganizednow.com/organizing-checklist-oct.html

GON October Mini Organizing Challenges For each week of October, our mini challenges will be focused on Improving Your Organizing Habits. Start with WEEK 1 this week
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-oct19-habits.html

In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

GON Pinterest Feature Fun ideas I've collected for Halloween projects...

GON Simplify Stuffed clothes closet? Less is more...


GON Health and Well-Being Organize your fridge for healthy eating


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

'Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end...because in the end, it shows you a whole new world. Make an attempt.' --Manoj Arora

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2019 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

* Copyright, contact and reprint information:
getorganizednow.com/contact.html

* You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in.

* We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

* If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this or any of my communications, its likely I'll receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, I only recommend stuff that I truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.

* To subscribe, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html


* To unsubscribe, if you absolutely must go, please click the link below. However . . .

YIKES! - If you unsubscribe, you'll lose all the complimentary organizing resources I share with my loyal readers each week. You'll lose the Weekly Tips, Reader Tips, Reader Clinics, complimentary videos, ebooks, resource recommendations, and the many valuable bonuses I offer each month (some totaling hundreds of dollars). Please don't go. I love sending you all of this free training. I'd be lost and lonely without you. If there is something more you would like from my newsletters, then please reply to this email and let me know.
-- Maria Gracia