Comfort Zone
By TheIrishClog
@TheIrishClog (985)
Ireland
March 1, 2012 3:20pm CST
Are you one of these? I am. I have a comfort zone. It's at home. It's in my home town and at my own job. I don't like going outside it, especially not alone.
I don't let it hold me back, I don't let it stop me from going places or doing things, but it definitely affects me. It affects my stress levels.
Lots of things cross the border of my comfort zone - travelling, large groups of people - just some of the examples.
Heading to England for the weekend tomorrow evening. I'm stressed. Why? My flight lands at 22.30, last bus to my destination (cousin's apartment) is at 23:02. If I miss that? I have to organise a taxi... Much, much, MUCH more expensive than the £1.90 bus. Then, I have to sleep with 2 cats (who I adore), in a sitting room, on a couch (where the cats spend time) for 3 nights and I'm allergic to cats. Then, I go to a new place, somewhere I've never been before and audition for the X Factor, but not after standing in line in who knows what weather for who knows how long. I'll either be sent home, or asked to come back on the Sunday. Then I'll either be sent home on the Sunday or called back for 2 months time for the televised judges auditions. Auditioning somehow doesn't make me nervous - I don't expect to get through, not because I don't believe in myself, but because I am quite happy knowing I'm good, but not that good.
Anyways... Rant over - your turn! 
4 people like this
19 responses
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
1 Mar 12
Your flight lands at 22.30 which is fairly late. I hope you get on a bus before 23.00 so good luck in doing that. If not you might need to get a taxi. I hope that your audition for X Factor will go very well.
My comfort zone are my home, traveling on trains, planes and buses and spending time in foreign destinations. I eat a vegan diet and love animals plus caring for the environment. I feel uneasy in a hospital and anywhere that people are being nasty to animals.
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
1 Mar 12
Nice to hear that your comfort zone allows you to move around the world freely, I wish I wasn't so impeded by a dislike of travel, especially on my own. Biggest thing I ever did was go to Spain on my own for 3 months as an au pair one summer when I was 21 and although I enjoyed it, it stressed me out no end at the same time.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
1 Mar 12
When I was 18 years old I went to Finland to work as a children's nanny. Afterwards I loved traveling around Europe by train on my own. I was 20 to 21 years old on my trip around the world. Well done for going to Spain as an au pair for 3 months when you were 21 years old.
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Thanks maximax. It was a big thing for me at the time and although it's something that would probably be good for me to do again, work, money, time and commitments are preventing me from giving it a go again. I've enjoyed this weekend away, but it's also put a great amount of stress on.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
4 Mar 12
Well, there are many times in life I have had to do something that I am not always comfortable with. Especially when it comes to things like talking with others that I know I will offend if I say the wrong things because we never seem to agree, or having to go somewhere where I do not know anyone, especially if I am alone. But I can relate with worrying about transportation especially when traveling as that can really be a Big issue, but just be Prayerful and everything will usually turn out OK.
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Despite all the stress and worry, this travelling fiasco seems to have worked out quite well so far, thanks for the response Krause.
@deodavid (4150)
• Philippines
2 Mar 12
Wow stressful day for yah, ei.
Hi there Irishclog,
Well i think you have planned everything to a tee, you know what to do and knows what will happen if you don't do it so I guess that automatically forces you to make sure that you do everything right to avoid anything inappropriate and get to where your supposed to be at in time, savvy??? savvyy!
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Well, plane landed on time and I got to my bus on time, so I didn't have to fork out for a taxi, which left my trip a lot less stressful. Found the audition venue, had a good sight see afterwards and found my way back to my cousin's place ok. I'm chilling here for the day. Just one more day of travel now to get back home tomorrow. Bus stops right outside the door, straight to the airport, flight home (scary!) and then the bus back to town for my man to pick me up. I've missed him so much!
@ecaron (678)
• Canada
2 Mar 12
I rather enjoy travelling by myself, it relaxes me. I have travelled by bus many times usually for about ten hours with lots of stops along the way. It's nice because someone else does all the driving and I can sit back and read or sleep or day dream looking out the window, I always try to get a window seat. They have washrooms on board the bus so a person can releive themselves if need be. I travelled once on the bus for around eight hours when I was about eight months pregnant and that was a little stressful since I was bloated and my feet swelled up so much I could hardly walk. There were two old ladies on the bus at the time and they kept asking me if I was alright and that they could deliver the baby if it happened that I go into labor. They stressed me out. Anyway, try to relax and make the best of your trip. MY Lot, Friend!
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Lol, can you imagine 2 little old ladies delivering your baby on a bus?! That sounds like a fab bus, never been on one with a WC...
@magester1 (148)
• Argentina
2 Mar 12
Oh yeah, I'm one of those. My comfort zone would be my room at my place.
I don't really like going out, and just as you said, I don't let that hold me back... perhaps a little sometimes, but I try not to let it bother me.
I definitely don't like traveling. I sometimes have to take a 22 hours trip by bus, I don't like it in the least bit.
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Oh God! I don't think I could sit on a bus for 22 hours... I'd have to spend most of it sleeping with earphones on I think. Travel sickness! I'm also one of these worry warts that sits on a bus intently examining my surroundings for when my stop comes. I can't snooze because God forbid I should miss my stop!
@magester1 (148)
• Argentina
4 Mar 12
That's not so bad, I usually end up falling asleep and I have to do anything I can't to stay awake, otherwise I'd miss my stop... which has happened a few times already. That's the drawback of being too laid back, as opposed to a worry wart, as you said.
1 person likes this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
1 Mar 12
Ithink we all need a comfort zone, and I think we all them...mine is my home, my home is my world, the place I feel safe, I must be honest I always feel a little stressed outside of my world but alot better than I used to be.
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
1 Mar 12
Thanks lilaclady. I wish I could say that I'm better than I used to be. I honestly these days get more stressed and more panicky as a non-comfort zone area comes into play than when I was younger. I'm starting to think it's something I need to work on, which is one of the reasons I'm heading out to these auditions.
@lynboobsy11 (11343)
• Philippines
2 Mar 12
My house also is my comfort zone. I do travel a lot to the city specially I have to attend my work there. Since I'm a dance instructress my job is at night. The party starts at 7pm up to 12am. My daughter lives in the city where I dance too but I preferred to wait for the first trip bus going to my place and it takes 3hours before I got home. And when I'm home I feel safe and relax it's nice to be in your own home.
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
4 Mar 12
Seems that too much activities in a day. If I were you, I will also be very stressful especially when I am stress. I also have a comfort zone where home is where the heart is. When I am at the office, I couldn't sit too long and I have to walk around, for your information I am a depressed woman, I can't hardly handle stress so I understand your situation. Relax and try to organize things more simple. I think that's the way it should be.
1 person likes this
@craziestqueenever (1819)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
Every one of us do have their own comfort zone. Sometime being at this state helps us to stay away from problems, but being so lax with our comfort zone won't do good. Sometimes we have to take a risk. We have to stop playing safe.
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Playing it safe does indeed limit your options and enjoyment at times. I'm glad I made this trip to the UK, I've enjoyed it thoroughly and will definitely be doing it again either towards the end of this year or early next year if I can afford it - it was worth the effort and stress, I met some great people and got to spend some time with my cousin 
@IrishGal77 (260)
• Ireland
1 Mar 12
Hi TheIrishClog,
I'm the same, I have my own comfort zone and my own routine. I can and do adapt to changes either voluntarily or involuntarily outside of my day to day life sure it'd be tough luck if I didn't! Like you, I don't let it hold me back or impede on my life in any way.
OMG you are auditioning for the X Factor! Good woman and fair play to you. I wish you the very best with it I have watched it every year since near the end of the first 'series'. You go girl and show what us Irish are made of woohoo!!!!
Have a pleasant and safe journey too!
IrishGal77 :)
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
1 Mar 12
Haha, thanks IrishGal. Yeah I'm going to show 'em what us Irish (or Dutch people posing as Irish) are made of for sure. I'm sure I'll have fun - sure it's all a bit of craic hai! 
You're right too. I feel for folks who have their comfort zones and can't force themselves out of it. I do it only because I have to or decide that I want or need to myself.
You're right too. I feel for folks who have their comfort zones and can't force themselves out of it. I do it only because I have to or decide that I want or need to myself. @mariab2000 (740)
• Canada
1 Mar 12
I am the same way, I have my own cofort zone and place. I don't let this stop me from doing things or going places either but it does increase my stress level although I'll manage quite well at adapting in new places and situations. Also, good luck for the x factor auditions. I hope for you that you can make it...
1 person likes this
@TheIrishClog (985)
• Ireland
4 Mar 12
Hey mariab, didn't make it through to the next round, but I'm neither upset nor disappointed. I'm a little disappointed with my own inability to perform in front of two people - I wasn't one bit worried until I stood there and opened my mouth to sing - instant cotton mouth! It does mean I've been able to enjoy a nice relaxing afternoon with my cousin, so I'm happy out either way 
@Tamosree1993 (1525)
• India
6 Mar 12
My comfort zone is my houses teris.
The place is very comfortable for me.
Because in every moment i share with every problem, happyness with it.
It is a safe zone also.
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
6 Mar 12
My comfort zone is when I am at home doing what I want and when wandering around the mall.
@amitpro (75)
• India
2 Mar 12
Hi friend. everyone has a comfort zone if you are not one of those who think of themselves as very unfortunate and most sad & unlucky person on this earth. Home is the best comforting place with your loved one around you. If someone gets a job of his interest then office can be cozy too. But loneliness anywhere is painful. Friends are important for your good health and mental well-being.
@Dominique25 (9464)
• United States
2 Mar 12
Yes I definitely have comfort zones.But I don't think my comfort zones are really serious. Just little things that I need to work on. Like improving myself doing things that I thought I couldn't do. For example I need to go to college for a program. I'm not sure I can get into it because it's difficult but I've got to step outside of my comfort zone and at least give it a try. I hope that your trip goes well and you are happy with the results.
1 person likes this
@keihimekawa (2009)
• Philippines
2 Mar 12
Actually my comfort zones are my home and my current workplace. My home since that's where I spend most of time in. I think most peoples comfort zone are at home since that's where they feel most relaxed in.
My workplace is another comfort zone since I spent most of my time there. I've been working in the same place for almost 6yrs now and I still don't have plans of leaving. Not that I'm scared. Pay's not as high as other companies would offer but I feel at ease in my current workplace. Beside, they gave me loads of projects, tasks and activities which helps me improve my skills. Just yesterday my boss called me and told me that the company is willing to spend some amount for my training and certification.
Leaving my comfort zones are difficult, yes, but I need to sometimes take a move ahead to improve my personality and gain knowledge and experience. Anyway, personally, I think people can return to their "comfort zone" anytime. For example, I have a number of ex-office mates who left our office for a "greener pasture" and they ALWAYS visit our office when they need some time off. The connection's still there :)
Good luck on your "adventure". Good luck and always look on the positive side :D
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