Tag Archives: comfort zone

The Andrew Sisters – Near You 1947

Have you ever been asked to do something out of your comfort zone? Ever felt like you were unqualified, not talented enough, or simply not good enough?

Yeah, that happened to me. Only this time I didn’t have to stand alone.

My girlfriends, Mary, Deborah, and I accepted the challenge to participate in our annual church’s Sweetheart Banquet. Ah, the joys of friendship! We went all out in finding matching outfits and practiced for weeks. Our bonding during rehearsal, accompanied a good deal of missteps and loads of laughter while lip-synching to “Near You”.

On the night of the event, when our turn came up, my motto was to zero in on my husband in the audience, sing to him, keep balanced wearing heels, and just have fun! We pulled it off and had a blast performing our skit. We received loads of compliments.

So when you think you can’t – you just might after all. Then again, you’ll never know if you never try.

Aren’t we purty?

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Filed under The Andrew Sisters - "Near You" 1947, Visual Art

Out of My Comfort Zone

Several years ago, the desire to write my memoirs was conceived. I didn’t know how far it would go or what the outcome would be. That didn’t matter to me because the more I wrote, the more the desire grew. The passion to complete the journey burned from within.

I never imagined the outcome. But I know now, God was in it.

After writing a couple of years on my own, I started mentioning what I was doing to some people and received some great advice and direction. Like a sponge, I soaked in all the info I could and soon realized that I needed to join others with the same passion. I started visiting writing groups and even joined a couple. Every week, I took notes, listened to critiques, shared ideas, and discussed scenes and sequels with my peers. I entered a few contests and some writing essays. I knew then that I had a story to share that would inspire others.

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I also learned that I needed a writer’s platform, so I started a Facebook fan page, a blog website, and finally, a Twitter account. Along this journey, I’ve met some incredibly talented people face-to-face, as well as through social media.

The time has come when I am definitely way out of my comfort zone. Matter of fact, as I timidly began this writing journey, wading into the water, it quickly went from ankle-deep to knee-deep. And the water continues to rise.

I am not perfect. I’m not some superwoman with superpowers able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. I am just like you. I am aware of my weaknesses and limitations. However, I am ready to take the next step, and I dare say I will not do it alone. God has given me resiliency. He has given me favor and is opening doors. As I rely on Him–more now than ever–He sends the right people at the right time. Each one holds a special place in my heart and has touched me in different ways. Some plant and some water, but God gives the increase. I don’t take this experience lightly or for granted.

I had a dream. I never dreamt it would go this far.

I am about to give birth to my dream. Soon, my first book, “Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace,” launches. In just a few days, I will hold the books that I call my babies in my hands. For starters, I will attend book signings, blog tours, radio interviews, conferences, and speaking engagements. I may not know where I’m going, but I remember where I once was. And that’s enough.

Do you have a dream? Does something take you out of your comfort zone? That means you are growing, stretching, and bettering yourself. Does it scare the hell out of you? Good.

Go for it. If I can, you can. Reach for the stars. The sky’s the limit.

© M.A. Pérez 2015, All Rights Reserved

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Filed under memoir book project, Writing Journey