The Beauty of Letting Go

Change

Do you order the same exact dish from your favorite restaurant every single time? Do you listen to the same music or watch the same movies? Yep, that was me – same dish, same style of dress in multiple colors, and 20 bottles of nail polish in similar shades of pink.

Yes, I was in the dreaded comfort zone, and loving every minute of it. But as wonderful and safe as comfort zones are, they can also be dangerous.

If we stay in our comfort zones for too long, we fail to grow – both personally and professionally – which is never a good thing.

A totally unexpected thing happened this past October.

I decided to chop 13 inches off my extremely curly hair. This was probably the most extreme thing I’d done as an adult. Yes, boring, I know, but I was a comfort zone kind of girl! Do you know what happens when you cut curly hair extremely short? Well, let’s just say, it’s not the prettiest look, unless you happen to be Halle Berry!

But there is something beautiful about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things…even if you fail! There are lessons learned and positive aspects to every experience. In my case, those 13 inches were donated, and now I save a ton of money on hair products!

The courage I found in something as small as a haircut allowed me to step out of my comfort zone in my professional life as well. I struggled at first to find my bearings, but I’ve eventually found my rhythm and discovered a new love and passion as a full-time content writer, for which I will forever be grateful.

So, my challenge to you:

It’s almost spring, time of renewed hope and new beginnings, so go ahead and step out of that comfort zone! It doesn’t have to be as drastic as cutting 13 inches of your hair…although it’s just hair, it will grow back!

Find the courage to try something new. Start small or go big. It’s up to you!

Yes, it will be uncomfortable at first but, you’ll eventually find your way. Who knows, you might even discover a new talent or passion.

Image credit GDSteam


Caroline LylesCaroline Lyles, FLVS 2016 Teacher of the Year, has been with FLVS since 2011 as both a Spanish instructor and curriculum writer. She has dual Master’s degrees in Spanish and Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. A passionate believer in life-long learning, she has been instrumental in creating and designing Spanish courses at FLVS. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring historical sites and kayaking with her family.



2 comments on “The Beauty of Letting Go

  1. kimberly

    Hi I am new to flvs and it is my first time reading. It is really motivating and I love that it is so nice to hear someone being happy. I would like to talk to you about my courses and advice if you can give.

    Reply
    1. Caroline LylesMs. Jacobson

      Hi Kimberly!
      I’m so glad you found this blog post to be encouraging! It’s not always easy to try something new, but it can lead to amazing experiences! I hope your classes with FLVS are going well! Please know that you can always reach out to your teachers for any help that you may need.
      I wish you the best of luck!!
      Ms. Jacobson 🙂

      Reply

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