The older I get the more I realize the benefit of pushing myself. It came easier to me when I was younger. I think most of my growth has come from situations where I have felt uncomfortable. It’s that discomfort that causes me to dig deep for hidden talent, wisdom or courage to face the unknown. I often say to my daughter, “We do hard things,” in those moments where she feels uncomfortable or unsettled. It’s easy to fall into a routine. It’s far easier to become more and more satisfied with the status quo. That is certainly not a bad thing and much peace comes from that. But each and every time I try something new or set my sights on something that scares me or challenges me, I never ever regret it.
BLOOM
Recently I attended the Bloom Workshop in San Clemente. Things like this stress me out. I have to be honest. Not the overarching idea of it but the minute details. Who will I know? Will I wear the right thing? What if someone asks me a question and I have no idea what the answer is? What if I get lost driving there (if you know me, you know this is a constant concern of mine)? Will I connect with anyone? Am I too old? Am I too quiet? These things swirl around in my head despite the fact that I always jump in head first. For me, the benefit of these uncomfortable situations far outweigh the fears. I learn that I am not the only one feeling this way. I learn that we are all human and have the same concerns. For we really are much more alike than different, aren’t we?
STEP OUTSIDE
And in true fashion, the Bloom Workshop had an electric energy about it the second day. Why? We were excited to see one another again. Everyone had let go of their own fears and anxieties. Everyone knew that when it came down to it, we were all there to grow. To move in a forward direction. Were we all there for the same exact reasons? No. Did that matter? No. The beauty is that women can come together and think creatively, talk business, brainstorm, be real with one another and more importantly inspire one another.
INSPIRE ONE ANOTHER
I left the two days at Bloom feeling so at ease and invigorated. It was fascinating to be surrounded by women who all have different interests but who appreciated each other so greatly. What an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. To be in an environment where everyone chose to lift each other up and encourage. A rare commodity these days.
SUCH BEAUTY
I could talk about the beauty and the glorious details but the photos do that so well. I think what I really want you to know is that attending something like Bloom, or finding a class near you, or joining a book club, or a cooking group. . . stepping outside the comfort zone. That’s where the good stuff is. It’s hard and it’s uncomfortable. But the life lessons gained from those encounters makes it all worth it.
I made lasting connections and friendships through Bloom. In fact I am seeing a friend this weekend for a special outing at Kendra Scott. I found an amazing florist in my area that I hope to work closely with. I even discovered a new small business that I feel passionate about and hope to spread the word. It’s because of the face to face connections. Nothing can replace speaking one on one with someone. Getting to know them. Reading their facial expressions as they talk about their decision to quit their high paying corporate job to open their own small business. How it has affected their family. It’s the drive, the love, the passion. It’s all of those things that allow the roots of real relationships to grow.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
What can you do to step outside your comfort zone? How can you challenge yourself? I am already brainstorming what I can do next.
*Gorgeous photos by Bowtie and Bloom
I have always wished that I could join the Bloom workshop but also been so nervous of the same fears (and of course the fact that I live across the ocean!) x
I think it’s that desire to go that you have to listen to, right. And not necessarily Bloom but anything that tugs at your heart. The benefits are always worth it. Hope you are having a beautiful week across the ocean. xo
Great post! Funny how when you need a message, like the one above, it comes to you. As always, thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you. That makes me so happy to hear! We are all in this together. Have a wonderful weekend.
Absolutely loving this post today! Very inspiring! This one statement says it all: “stepping outside the comfort zone. That’s where the good stuff is.” Thank you for sharing this post. Have a lovely day!
Thank you, Dawn. I really appreciate that and the support. So grateful to all of you who embrace my insecurities, too. Hope you are having a great week.
Courtney, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out! Thanks for being real! And the photos are gorgeous too. So inspiring!
Thank you so very much. I’m a work in progress over here. Learning every day. Thank you for the love and support. Wishing you a fantastic weekend.
Love this post! We will be going to the Bloom Workshop in Chicago this summer and are so excited to connect with like-minded creatives. And those florals?! Insanely beautiful. Can’t wait to walk away with some major inspiration.
Miss you Court!
xo,
B & C
Oh I am sooooo excited you will be going. You’ll love it. So inspiring. Aren’t those florals crazy. You couldn’t take your eyes off of them the whole time. So beautiful. Miss you both. xo
I love all of your posts but, this one was so different, so open, so raw. Love you Courtney! Seeing a different side of you being subtly vulnerable and letting everyone know you are actually a shy girl and the message you sent. I really think this is one of my all time favorites!
My boss recently said “if it makes you even a little bit nervous, you know it means something to you”.
So, I applaud you for embracing those meaningful growth experiences. And best yet, you are showing Riley what bravery looks like. Bravo dear friend. Keep being that wonderful inspiration to all of us. xoxo
I love that statement by your boss. I am determined to meet that amazing woman some day. Love you, dear friend. You have always been such a source of inspiration to me. So grateful to have you in my life.
Thanks for sharing your honesty and heart. Bloom looks like an amazing event.
What a great post, and it honestly felt like you were speaking to me. I’ve gotten too comfortable in the everyday stuff, and haven’t tried anything new in way.too.long. So thank you for the reminder to implement my 2017 goals of trying new things…even when they are uncomfortable! You are a role model to your kiddos, Courtney!
Thank you, Shannon. I am a work in progress. It’s so easy (and nice) to be content with the everyday stuff. But here’s to pushing ourselves and seeing what else we have inside. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheering you on from afar.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt post Courtney. I for one would not expect you to have those fears, as you always seem very confident to me. I can so relate though. I remember the phone call well. My youngest was a freshmen at BU. It was the week before rush (early January). She called and said that most moms come for bid day, and would I be willing to come? I could have blamed it on the fact that we’d just seen her for Christmas or the cost of the trip (flight/car rental). But, I couldn’t bring myself to say no since she was so far from home and still making friends and connections and it was a big day for her. So, I said yes. But the minute I hung up the phone I burst into tears and sobbed…how was “I” going to do this??? You see, I’d never flown without my husband (or with girls in tow) much less rented a car in a still new to me town, driven unfamiliar highways, and checked into a hotel room alone. I was scared to death! But, I knew I had to do it for her. What I learned in the end is that I was doing it for myself as well. I conquered my fears that week. I learned I could do it by myself (and did many times after that week). I gained a sense of confidence I hadn’t had before. It felt good. Thanks for sharing your honest feelings.
Love that you shared this Courtney! I needed that reminder. That workshop looks and sounds amazing!!!
Thank you for sharing this post and your feelings. I struggle with putting myself out there and tend to have similar concerns to those you mentioned…what if I can’t think of anything to say? What if I just stand there and no one speaks to me? What if everyone is super successful and thinks I’m a hack? BUT I’ve found that pretty much every time I put myself out there, it’s been worth it. So I’ll keep trying. Hope you’re having a good week!