Hello everyone and welcome back! I can’t believe that this is going to be the last article before summer starts! I don’t know if it’s just me, but this school year flew by. It is so incredible that I have been able to write these articles consistently every month, and do it for the whole school year. I enjoy writing these every month because not only does it help  me stay motivated and positive through struggles I personally face, but it also makes me feel more accomplished that these articles could be helping other people who are facing different types of stress, anxiety, or just need motivation to get through everyday life. With summer coming, I know it can cause a new type of stress different from what’s faced at school. That is why today I will be discussing the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and how summer is the perfect time to do so. 

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Quote of the Month:  

“Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August.” -Jenny Han

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Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: 

A lot of the time, we try to stay in this little bubble. We stay in the bubble, not because we are happy, but because we are just comfortable. However, hiding your whole life in that little realm can become boring, and soon you will regret it. Most of the people reading this are in their teens and have their whole life ahead of them, meaning now is the prime time for you to live life. I’m not saying go crazy, break laws and sneak out of your house every night, I am saying to just enjoy life your way. 

Don’t stay in your room all day, on your phone, being upset because you weren’t invited somewhere. This might sound harsh, but there needs to be a point where you get over it and realize you are responsible for your own happiness. You can’t spend your whole life feeling sorry for yourself and holding back because you are nervous. You need to just go for it. Go on that big ride you’re scared of, or talk to that boy or girl you like. Life is too short to wonder “what if I did this.”

Why is Summer the Perfect Time to Start Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone?

Summer is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone because you have more time to focus on yourself specifically. During summer, you can focus on being alone and improving yourself on your own, without having to go to school and interact with loads of other people. 

When you step out of your comfort zone, you begin to unlock your full potential and find a new version of yourself. You also become more adaptable to new circumstances, considering you might find out you have hidden skills you never knew about. By doing this on your own during summer, you can find this out yourself without having to worry about others. Then, when you go back to school after break, you can be that new version of yourself and impress everyone else around you!

Also, in the summer there are so many opportunities to go outside and try new activities. Find ways to challenge yourself, or say yes when people ask you to do something you normally wouldn’t do (but make sure they are good things). This could be activities like parasailing, going on roller coasters or water rides, talking to a new friend, etc. The possibilities are endless!

However, just remember that while stepping out of your comfort zone is a good thing, make sure you don’t do everything at once. It is ok to take smaller steps towards a goal. In fact, it is best to take those smaller steps before you jump right into something. Don’t cause an unbearable amount of stress on yourself! 

Just remember that any worries you have before an activity will go away once you are finished. The feeling you will get after accomplishing something you have been working towards for a while should be enough motivation on its own. The feeling truly is unmatched.

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Well, that is all I have for now! I hope everyone has an absolutely amazing summer and decides to try something new over this long break! Remember to love yourself, and work on self-love this summer. Summer can be hard, especially when you don’t have the ability to cover yourself in sweatshirts and sweats, so working on using positive affirmations (described in previous articles) and finding ways to nourish/take care of your body is also important. Have self-care nights, journal and all around do anything you can to be the best version of yourself! With that being said, I am going to end it here. See you all next school year! 

Best wishes! 🙂