Your brain forms roughly 7,000 new neural connections every second you step outside your comfort zone. I discovered this fascinating fact after my own experience with a sound bowl massage. This remarkable neuroplasticity reveals that personal growth isn’t just a metaphorical journey. It is a literal rewiring of our brain’s potential. Each moment of courage transforms into a tangible neurological transformation.
Now I bet you didn’t think I’d hit you with some scientific rah rah like that right upfront, did you? Don’t worry. I’m not going to go into some neuro scientific discovery. I just wanted to let you know that this isn’t woo woo stuff. This is real.
For years, I’d scroll past posts about sound bowl therapy on social media. Each one caught my eye and sparked curiosity. I have a wild imagination and am fascinated by these things. Naturally, I wanted to book a session but always hesitated. You see, I grew up in a small village called Big Bend. It is in an even smaller country named Eswatini. We didn’t even know what sushi was, never-mind sound bowl massage.
For me, this felt like a stretch. Do you know what I’m talking about? The space between where you are now, to that place over there, where you need to step out of your comfort zone – feels too far. I created scenarios for not doing it, that were actually just excuses. As someone who loves exploring spiritual practices, sound bowl therapy genuinely called to me. Yet, each time I almost clicked ‘confirm booking’, my mind filled with reasons to put it off. Sound familiar?
You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both. – Brené Brown
Brown’s words capture the paradox of the comfort zone. It shields us from discomfort. Yet, in doing so, it often limits our growth. In psychology, the comfort zone is a mental state where we feel safe, in control, and stress-free. While comforting, this state doesn’t stimulate the brain’s natural mechanisms for learning and adaptation.
When the “What-Ifs” Take Over
The role of self-doubt and safety in the comfort zone
At 48, I’m no stranger to self-doubt and fear. As I finally decided to book my first sound bowl therapy session, the mental chatter began:
Each concern felt valid. Each worry seemed like a reasonable excuse to stay within my carefully constructed comfort zone. After all, isn’t that what our comfort zones are for – to keep us safe, comfortable, and free from uncertainty?
The Moment of Decision
Shifting from “What-ifs” to “What if it’s wonderful?
But here’s the thing about staying in our comfort zone: it protects us. However, it can also prevent us from experiencing some of life’s most beautiful moments. As I sat with my list of worries, a simple question emerged: ‘What if it’s wonderful?’
That question changed everything. I began to imagine the possibilities instead of the limitations. What if this experience brought me a new sense of peace? What if it helped me sleep better? Or even just allowed me to feel more connected to myself? Embracing that question was like opening a door I hadn’t noticed before. The rewards were more than I imagined.
Interestingly, neuroscientists have found that new experiences trigger areas of the brain that help us feel motivated and rewarded. When we step outside our comfort zone, our brain releases dopamine. This ‘feel-good’ chemical brings a sense of satisfaction. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment. This natural reward increases our likelihood of seeking out new experiences. It gradually reduces the power of our fears and hesitations.
That question—”What if it’s wonderful?”—changed everything.
Taking the Leap
Choosing small, intentional steps outside the comfort zone
I decided to cast aside the negative self-talk and book the session. Yes, I chose a private session instead of a group class. Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean you have to jump off a cliff. Sometimes, it means taking a thoughtful step ahead while honouring your genuine needs. Now I’m not going to lie to you. One of my fears were realised when I got there. Remember when I was worrying about needing to go to the bathroom. Well, there was in fact, no toilet.
So, what to do? The only solution I could think of was, if it really came down to it, I would be squatting in the lovely nature area outside. That was the only way I could get my mind off it. When you act courageously, and take that first step out of your comfort zone, it doesn’t mean everything will always go smoothly. You’ll still need to be agile and keep in the flow of finding solutions rather than digging your heels into the problems.
The Unexpected Reward
How new experiences can rewire the brain
What happened next surprised me in the best way possible. The experience was beautiful and deeply relaxing. I also enjoyed the deepest sleep I’d had in years for two nights afterward. All those “what-ifs” that had loomed so large? They melted away in the face of reality.
Facing discomfort helps dial down your amygdala, the part of the brain that controls your fear responses. So, the more you practice getting out there and trying things that make you nervous, the less overwhelming those feelings will seem over time. The brain starts seeing these situations as less of a threat, which lowers stress and anxiety over time.
Why Breaking Out Of Familiar Routines Matter (Especially After 40)
As we move into our 50s and beyond, it’s easy to settle into familiar routines. But this stage of life is the perfect time to break out of your comfort zone. Trying new things can bring fresh perspectives, boost mental agility, and spark fulfillment. With decades of life experience, we’ve built a strong foundation that can support us—whether we choose to take a bold leap or small steps into something new.
Our brains are remarkably adaptable, even as we age. When we face new experiences, our neural pathways stay active and create new connections. This neuroplasticity helps preserve cognitive ability and may even help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Simply put, challenging ourselves with novel experiences keeps our minds sharp and engaged.
Why Mid-Life is the Perfect Time for Change
- Established confidence: By 40+, we’ve developed strong self-awareness and resilience from life experiences
- Financial stability: Many have reached a point of greater financial security, enabling new pursuits
- Emotional maturity: Better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks
- Clear priorities: Deeper understanding of what truly matters to us
- Rich life experience: A solid foundation of skills and wisdom to build upon
Small Steps, Big Changes
My experience with sound bowl therapy taught me a valuable lesson: stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a life-changing decision. It doesn’t require drastic changes or a total reinvention. Sometimes, the most profound growth happens with small, simple choices to try something new, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. By embracing these moments—despite the fear or uncertainty—they can open us up to new perspectives, a sense of calm, and deeper self-awareness. It’s a reminder that meaningful growth is often a gentle process, built on the courage to explore just one small step at a time.
Finding Your Next Step
Simple actions to expand your comfort zone
What’s calling to you? What experience, activity, or change have you been considering? You keep putting it off because it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s:
- Taking a class you’ve always been curious about
- Starting that creative project you’ve been dreaming of
- Having that conversation you’ve been avoiding
- Making a change in your career or daily routine
Remember, the goal isn’t to remove all comfort zones – they serve a purpose. The goal is to gently expand them, one small step at a time.
Your Turn to Bloom
Embracing change with Life Anchors
If you’re feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you’re not alone. Many of us, especially after 40, reach a point where we’re ready for change but unsure how to step outside our comfort zones and start. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’ve developed a simple yet powerful approach to help you move ahead with clarity and confidence. It starts with understanding your core values and what truly grounds you – what I call your “Life Anchors.”
Want to learn more about how to find your own path forward? I’ve created a free guide. It walks you through the process of discovering your Life Anchors. It also helps you take those first steps toward positive change. Click here to download Clarity & Confidence: 3 Simple Steps To Get Clear On Your Dreams Today.
Remember: Sometimes, the most beautiful changes in life begin with one small step outside our comfort zone.
Bloom gently, courageously and most importantly, bloom fully!
As always, I’m right here with you.
Your friend and blooming late bestie,
Lisa Marie