18 Comments
User's avatar
Jonathan Potter's avatar

This was a pleasure to read, thank you.

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thank you, Jonathan!

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thanks so much, Lou! I'm glad it resonated.

Expand full comment
Lou Blaser's avatar

I loved reading this Cathy! I've not thought of our comfort zones the you described, but as soon as I read your words, of course, it's exactly that! It does shrink around us, like a comfort blanket. And before we know, that's our world. I'm currently putting together my next "round-up" edition, and this one will definitely be in there! Cheers!

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Lexie Adape's avatar

Cathy, this is so true, our comfort zone is totally elastic - it shrinks and expands depending on life situations we put ourselves into. And you've illustrated it so beautifully with your story, love it.

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Krista Steele's avatar

“The tricky thing about comfort zones is, if you stay inside them for too long, they shrink.“

This was so interesting, Cathy! And I love that you show the shrinking AFTER the expansion. That your comfort zone doesn’t just automatically expand indefinitely over time.

Expand full comment
Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Thanks Cathy for a delightful and inspiring (yes) story. I tend to take on adventures without thinking and when I get going, I begin to wonder - what did I get myself into? Please read some of my posts if you can.

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thank you, Jenn. I will!

Expand full comment
Gina N. Brown's avatar

Anais Nin nailed it. I laughed so hard while reading this story and I can totally relate. One minute I'm as brave as all get-out (traveled to Russia years ago, on my own), but do you think I can ease myself into a freakin' indoor pool? I dread the thoughts of plunging my shoulders into the coolish water. I was so excited to find a one-piece bathing suit with long sleeves and a collar. Problem solved. Geez Louise! Great article, Cathy!

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thanks, Gina. One piece bathing suit with sleeves, ya do what ya gotta do.😊

Expand full comment
Holly Starley's avatar

This is such a great story, Cathy. It’s so true that comfort zones shrink when you stay in them. What a terrific reminder. And I love that last line!

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thanks, Holly. Glad you liked it!

Expand full comment
Sue Bulmer's avatar

OMG I loved this so much and literally laughed out loud several times. Congrats on the wonderful article (and also of course for getting into the cab). Very insightful and comforting in lots of ways.

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

LOL! I am delighted that you found it funny. The intention was to comfort, encourage, and give you a belly laugh. Sounds like it hit the mark with you. Thanks for commenting.

Expand full comment
Sandy Graves's avatar

Loved this! After the pandemic and then a significant health bump, my comfort zone shrunk considerably. This article resonated deeply with me and helped me to consider why things that used to come easily to me feel way more energy draining these days. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Cathy Jacob's avatar

Thank you, Sandy! So great to see you pop up here!

Expand full comment