Breaking the Comfort Zone

Posted By: Rachel Johnson

The summer of 2013 was the best time of my life thus far as a young, 23-year-old woman. Why? Because I broke free of my comfort zone.

It was the summer before my college graduation and, in order to graduate the following December, I needed to complete an internship. I knew I didn't want to do something ordinary, because there was no way my last "summer break" for the rest of my life was going to be spent in a boring office. I knew I needed adventure, and I knew I needed to take advantage of this precious time. Well, if you didn't know, I have always loved New York City, so I decided that I was going to complete my internship in the Big Apple and do whatever it would take to make this dream a reality.

I researched NYC internships in the public relations/marketing field for hours upon hours. I knew that this was what I was going to do, and I was going to do whatever it would take to achieve this goal. So off my resume went to over 20 companies located in New York City with a hopeful heart and a persistent mindset. I checked my email probably ten times a day waiting to hear back from any NYC business person who would open an email entitled, "Summer Internship Availability." Just when I started losing hope and was convinced I would settle for a local internship in TN, I received a reply in my inbox! I freaked. Turns out, the message was from the very first company that I contacted called NR Styles. Oh, and it was one of my top five picks.

NR Styles is owned by Nicole Russo, a personal stylist and image consultant, who I interviewed with via Skype and over the phone. Well, what can I say? She was sold on my Southern charm I suppose. *Ahem* moving on. The day I packed up my mom's car and rode with her to NYC was the day that will forever be engrained in my mind. I felt so many emotions at once. I was thrilled, anxious and uncertain as to what the next three months would hold.

To make a long summer seem incredibly short (which it did fly by), those three months were the best months of my life. I was completely alone, scared, overwhelmed and uncertain. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. However, without that time to step outside of the box and make a bold decision, I would not be the woman I am today. I was able do incredible stuff, like gain some awesome professional experience, explore all of New York City, make new friendships, join a local church in the basement of a YMCA, live with my 32-year-old brother, and develop a professional mentor who would eventually inspire me to start blogging.

Not a day goes by where I don't wish I could re-live the summer of 2013. And you know what? I want you to have the same feeling. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to pack up and move to a new city, although it certainly can. It means that you choose to step outside of the box. You break out of your comfort zone and the day-to-day mundane decisions that you make. It can start small too. In fact, it can even start with your wardrobe. Whatever it is, try something new. Be inspired and go do. The world is at our fingertips, so let's enjoy it and live brave lives.

Image by Clint Mejia

#lifestyle #charismachatt #summer