Don't Miss Out On Life

One thing that happens with people who live alone and especially senior citizens, is that they don't go outside of their comfort zone. It feels safe in there. I know. I have had to step out of it many times in my life. I step out and am thankful I did but then I create another comfort zone. I believe that part of life is continually pushing myself to try new things and activities. At least try it for a period of time. Yes, of course, I want to feel safe and stay with what I know. But how many times did you try something new and wish you had done it a long time ago? My answer is more times than I like to think.

Martin Kappel Theater

This last week I did it again. Twice. Stepped out of my comfort zone. The first thing I did was to buy a ticket to go to the musical, The Wizard of Oz that was playing in the Martin Kappel Theater that is in the other half of the apartment building I live in. The Norwich Theater Company put on an excellent production and I enjoyed it very much. The theater was crowded and it seemed most of the people knew each other. People greeting each other and were happy to see one another. It was nice to see and no, I did not feel left out. Actually I enjoyed it because it was a happy environment to spend a few hours. I am a “people watcher” and there were a lot of people to watch that day. 

Norwich Center where the theater is

Because I was using a walker I was told to go in when they announce season ticket holders. Then I was directed to a seat in the back row on the aisle. It was perfect for me because I do not like being in the middle of a crowd. They had a 20 minute intermission and the lines to the bathrooms were long. If I had needed to, I would have gone upstairs to my apartment since it was not even five minutes away. I did not let the fact that I was using a walker hold me back. In fact, it made everyone be friendlier to me and try to help me get through the crowd of people. 

Guernsey Memorial Library

The other thing I did was to go to the library and get a new library card. I had that on my list ever since I moved here but never did it. I don’t know why but in recent times the ramp to the library had homeless people camped out on it all hours of the day. The library has been actively trying to discourage that so the ramp was clear. I am happy to say that I now have a library card and will be going there. I always loved libraries and spent hours in various ones over the years. This library is right across the street from my apartment so will be convenient. Right now they are doing major construction inside so I am anxious to see what they have done once it is finished. In the meantime, I am going to check out their online site.

I have found that if I visualize the activity or experience before I do it I will enjoy it more. In fact, I will be looking forward to it. If I went through life expecting to have the worst experiences than that is what I will have. Instead I visualize a rewarding experience and that is usually how it turns out. In my mind I imagine what it will be like when I step inside the building like the theater or the library. Will people frown at me and say, "What is she doing here?" Or will they say, "Oh good a new person is here today!" And come forward to greet me or ask if they can help me. It is usually the latter. 

The park on the corner from my apartment

What have you done lately to step out of your comfort zone? The longer you put it off the harder it is to do it. After you do whatever it is, maybe like me you will be saying, Why didn’t I do that sooner?” Don’t miss out on life because you are stuck in your comfort zone!     

Copyright © 2023 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2023  Kathleen G. Lupole