Tag: #Stepoutside

Morning Hike with Coleman

We are still twelve days away from it officially being Spring, but we have been enjoying springtime weather here in the Carolinas. Since morning was so beautiful, my grandson and I went for a short hike in the woods near our home. My grandson, Coleman loves the outdoors. He would rather spend all day outside having fun than cooped up in the house when it rains. Coleman loves to hike, so into the woods we went.

Coleman …. In the
Woods
We Go

I’ve been studying about Walking with Jesus and sharing my thoughts with y’all. One thing I’ve learned is Walking and Talking with Jesus can take place anywhere, anytime, and while we are doing anything. Walking and talking with Jesus while hiking with my grandson is natural and beautiful. Being in nature amazing and I Praise God for all He has created, the trees, the woods, the deer, the heavenly sky and even the rain when it comes. God created it all and I am in awe of HIs mighty power, His creativity, and His love.

Coleman
Exploring
the
Woods

As we began our journey today, we first encountered the chickens. The chickens and beautiful creatures, sometimes they can be noisy but not today. My grandson loves to stop and observe them anytime we go for a hike. I allow Coleman to lead the way. I try my best to keep up with him. He has so much more energy than I do. I don’t know where he gets it all.

Next up was a boat, a shed, and a solar powered contraction (I’m not actually sure what it was or what it was for), and a deer stand. We came across more than one deer stand as we traversed through the woods. Did I say Deer stand? Besides hiking Coleman loves to climb. Height is no problem for him, he seems fearless. Now on the other hand, I am fearful he might fall sometime when he is climbing, especially when he decides to climb really tall deer stands as shown in the next photo collage.

Coleman
Back
Woods
Exploring

I’m not sure if you can picture the height of the deer stand, and I’m not sure what its height is, but it’s super tall. So, you can imagine why I might be a tad bit fearful of him falling. Thankfully he hasn’t ever fallen yet, and I pray it stays that a way.

My grandson loves to pick up sticks. He loves to use them as hiking sticks. He knows that I have a hiking stick I use when I go to State Parks or Greenways to hike. He mimics me in that aspect. I’m thrilled he enjoys the outdoors so much. I hope he will always love the outdoors and being in nature. I pray he will one day realize that nature, the outdoors if all a part of God’s miraculous design.

Coleman
Let’s
Hike

While walking and talking with each other and talking with Jesus I used an app called Relive. The app tracks our distance and records any pictures taken through the app. At the end of the hike, a video can be created of your hike or whatever activity of your choosing. We hiked just under a mile at 0.7 miles today. Not too bad for hiking with a two-year-old. The following link is the video created by the Relive app of our hiking adventure today.

www.relive.cc/view/vDqgM1LW7GO

God bless. I trust you have enjoyed our hiking adventures. Remember you are able to Walk and Talk with Jesus anytime, anywhere, no matter what you are doing, God is always willing to listen.

Comfort Zone: Step out yes or no?

What do you think about when you hear comfort zone? A place? A feeling? A person? Or perhaps an object? A comfort zone can be different for everyone.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a comfort zone “is a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested.”

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/

A comfort zone is psychological, behavioral, and emotional state of mind whereby a person operates in familiar anxiety/stress free environment. You are comfortable, at ease and in control of your circumstances. In a comfort zone little risk is exhibited. It is where you feel most comfortable, not doing anything new or challenging.

There are 2 types of comfort zones which include:

  1. Habits of Action – examples are eating your certain foods, never missing your favorite tv show, or yelling when you are frustrated.
  2. Habits of Thinking – include focusing on the negative, feeling grateful for small things, or finding fault with others.

There are some habits that exuberate both action and thinking. Samples of these consist of repeatedly playing caretaker, being the expert, being the free spirit, and/or playing the martyr.

People, especially in work environments, often say you need to step out of your comfort zone. Is stepping out really necessary? Often times we stay in our comfort zones because that is where we feel safe. Other times it is simply out of habit, routine. Staying in our comfort zones could mean we are avoiding doing something that might actually be beneficial for us. It can also prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Where do you stand? Where do I stand? Before Covid-19, I think sometimes I resorted to staying in my comfort zone. Why? Being afraid of trying something new or going to new places hinders me from the excitement or adventures that exist out in this world. I used to be more carefree, now I hardly go anywhere. I see people traveling, being around lots of people, but I am not at the point where I feel safe from COVID.

It is said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. The assumption is that you are not truly living if you remain in your comfort zone. There are varying lists of suggestions to assist you in stepping out of your comfort zone.

  • Changing your daily routine. For the past two years my routine, my schedule basically stays the same. I take care of my now 2-year-old grandson, and he needs to maintain a routine for stability. However, a change in the walking route is makes is not so dull or boring.
  • Trying a new hobby. This I have not done for a long time, maybe I should.
  • Setting a major goal. A goal I have is to become debt-free. That is difficult, but not impossible to achieve.
  • Saying “yes” more.
  • Exploring more. This I need until I developed cataracts and depend on others for rides. I do occasionally try to explore the woods with my grandson.
  • Confronting a fear.
  • Showing others your idea.
  • Keep Learning.
  • Never Give Up.
  • Enjoy what you do.

The lists are numerous. The lists contain excellent suggestions for stepping outside of your/my comfort zone. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

I believe the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was 2 years ago in 2019. I had recently retired and on an impulse, I accepted an invitation to go on a cruise with my sister-in-law’s sister. The cruise sailed out of Galveston, Texas. I traveled by bus from Charlotte, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas where I was picked up by Monica. I then stayed at her home for a couple of weeks before the cruise. The stay at home was not exactly as I had imagined it would be and was ready to leave rather quickly. However, I did not leave. I stayed and kept my promise to go on the Royal Caribbean cruise with her to San Marcos and Cozumel, Mexico. I am glad I did. I enjoyed myself. Show some fantastic entertainment, ate some delicious food, and saw sites I would never have seen otherwise. Was I afraid? Skeptical? Yes, I was. Even so, it was well worth leaving my comfort zone.

God bless. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. I would enjoy hearing about when you last stepped out of your comfort zone.