“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”- Neale Walsh

What does that mean?

Simply, it means doing something that you wouldn’t normally do. Something that challenges you, something that you might be scared of, or nervous about, or something new that you haven’t tried before.

It could be something simple like trying a new food, a new restaurant, cooking something new and different.

It might be something you think you can’t do – like 50 burpees, or 100 push ups, or run for 30 minutes.

It might be something really scary like changing careers, or jobs, or moving to another country.

Or even trying a new fitness class or bootcamp, doing another round of my online bootcamps, or even just getting out for a run when you haven’t run before (or haven’t done much running).

Sky diving, paragliding, kite surfing, running in a fun run (10km, Half Marathon, Marathon), doing Tough Mudder – crazy things really!

All these things CAN be done. You just have to decide if you really want to challenge yourself and do something new and different. Think about some of those you have always wanted to try, but have been too scared to do it!

It might just be time to take that leap of faith in yourself and take that little (or big) step and give it a go.

Outside of your comfort zone there are SO many new and exciting things…belief in yourself, a new found confidence, excitement, fearlessness, new opportunities,  fulfilling your dreams and SO much more!

I stepped out of my comfort zone last weekend…

A medium step I would say. It wasn’t a huge step, but one I was pretty nervous about. I have been putting off doing this for quite a while now- I had a photo shoot done for a new website. I have had a few photos done before, but they were pretty casual, or I had forgotten they were being taken at the time. This was a bit more serious – well I made it a bit more serious, in terms of putting pressure on myself! We all criticize ourselves when we have photos done – I’m sure! I know I do!

I didn’t go to any super dooper massive effort to pump out 7 workouts the week prior (only cause I’m not meant to!), I just did my usual 2-3 mornings of exercise. I did eat how I normally eat during the week (just no treats!). I just wanted to feel confident and good about myself. So that was my major focus. Feel good = look good = look confident. And then on Thursday I got a pimple, to top off my anxiety! I haven’t had a pimple for a while and I really only cared because I knew I had this photo shoot happening.

Saturday morning came and I was feeling as good as I could! I am the type of person that doesn’t really know much about make up (I hardly ever wear it, so only have the very basics), my hair is always up and I have no idea how to pose for photos! Did I mention I had no idea what to wear either?

So to say I was nervous was pretty right! But trying not to be! It did help that I had a very good friend taking the photos for me, so we did lots of joking around.

I wanted the photos to be a reflection of me. Natural, happy, doing something I love (not the photo shoot), but playing with Chelsea, running, exercises and then of course the standard pose photos!

Make up was done (very natural looking), hair was washed that morning and I managed to keep it down, so that it wouldn’t get any kinks in it – that was a HUGE challenge for me. We decided we would do a few with my hair down and a few with my hair up!

We got started, got a few of the face shots done – I never know how to smile for these things, where to look, how to stand, where to put my hands – silly things really!

To relax a bit more, I had some photos taken with Chels, chasing her around, playing with her, kissing & hugging her – that certainly helped.

I forgot to mention it was like 10 degrees and I was in a singlet top! Freezing!!!

We took a few action shots, running, squats, lunges, bicep curls etc and then we thought we should try a few really posed shots, cause it’s the ‘fitness’ thing to do! So I did it. I took my top off – left my bra on though! It wasn’t a porn shoot!! I have never tried to flex my abs more than ever! Those pelvic floors where working hard, that’s for sure. And try to smile at the same time – challenge! Not sure they will be going on my website, but it was fun to try in the end.

So I did it, I stepped out of my comfort zone!

I have also done lots of other things that have taken my out of my comfort zone before – I was a bit of a dare devil (before having Chels), not so much anymore – although I did go paragliding last year! The next thing I want to try is Kite Surfing…just need the weather to warm up now!

It’s time for you to step out of your comfort zone. Do it every once in a while, to keep a fun and exciting spark in your life! Challenge yourself, do something different, something you wouldn’t usually do. Push yourself to exercise harder, go for a longer run, climb a mountain.

Just feel the fear of doing something, then do it!. It will all work out in the end!

And the photos…. they are great! Check out my website for some of the great shots www.amandaferguson.com.au

P.S. Thanks to the wonderful Sarah, from Sarah Craven Photography, for the awesome work she has done! www.sarahcravenphotograpy.com.au

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