Stretch Your Comfort Zone

As I was growing up, playing sports was an essential part of my life. It taught me valuable lessons and helped form my character into who I am today. It taught me teamwork, leadership, and courage. It also taught me how to deal with winning, and more importantly, how to deal with losing too. During those formative years on the football field, the basketball court or baseball diamond, the things I learned about myself and others has helped guide me through life.

So at the age of 39, I decided (encouraged by co-workers) to join an ice hockey league here in Omaha.Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, playing hockey was never really on my radar. I was always fascinated with the game, which started back when the San Jose Sharks joined the NHL in 1991, but with my involvement in other sports and lack of interest in the local area, I never made it a priority to play. That all changed this last year.

And boy, what a fun year it has been! Of course, I stepped onto the ice nervous if I was going to be any good, or more importantly, if I was going to get hurt. I still went for it and took the leap of faith that everything was going to be fine. Thankfully, I have an awesome cheerleader in my corner that did not even blink an eye when I told her I was going to play and was going to have to spend a chunk of change for this new adventure. Honestly, it has been one of the best sports decisions I have made in a very long time. After not playing team sports competitively since high school, this brought back a healthy level of competitive spirit to drive me to push for more in life.

Since starting nearly a year ago, I have experienced a weekly, sometimes more, killer workout. My cardio endurance has improved immensely and accountability to show up for my team has helped me stay on track, not missing a single opportunity to hit the ice unless work obligations got in the way. Aside from the physical benefits, it has been an exercise in building up my self-confidence again too. It is humbling stepping on the ice as a 39-year-old “rookie” playing against people that have been playing for years, or at least played as kids. I always want to be the best at everything I do, and playing against people that are better than me has inspired me to work harder. Another wonderful benefit I gained is a sense of teamwork and belonging. There is nothing better than hanging out with people that have the same interest and drive as you. The teams that I have been so fortunate to play for and with have been a wonderful addition to my life. Everyone has been welcoming, friendly and kind as I started this journey. I developed some lasting relationships with people I would have never met if I did not take a chance and start playing.  

My challenge for you today is to stretch your comfort zone and try something new. Find an activity that you have always wanted to try, but never made a priority because you were too nervous, scared or fill in any other excuse you have made to not go after something challenging. While I chose to pick up a new sport, it could be anything new that pushes you into learning more about yourself and others. Join an art class, cooking class, karate, volunteer somewhere, or even like me, join a hockey league. No matter what it is, you will look back and be proud you pushed yourself a little further. With time and patience you will be glad you did because you will find a piece of yourself you never realized was waiting to be discovered.