Grow: Redefining Your Comfort Zone
By Ilene Levy (the other Nomad)
December 17, 2024
Can you remember when you last stepped out of your comfort zone? Was it a deliberate choice, or did you just find yourself facing a challenge that you couldn’t avoid?
I woke up on the morning of day 3 of the Two Nomads trek to Annapurna Base Camp. That was a good start, as the prior 24 hours were a blur. The previous day, we woke at 4:30 am and climbed for an hour to see the sunrise on Poon Hill. It was windy and cold at the top but also incredible to see the 360-degree view of the Annapurna range for the first time.
After trekking down and having breakfast, we hiked seven hours up and down through mountain passes to get to the next teahouse. The last few hours were incredibly difficult as the inclines and stairs seemed endless. When we finally arrived around 3 pm, I was exhausted. I had a fever and couldn't lift my head. I couldn’t eat and "returned" the food from the previous day. I was dehydrated as I had unwittingly stopped drinking the last few hours of the trek. I crawled into bed and curled into a ball, shivering. I still had five days of trekking ahead, which did not seem manageable.
I slept on and off for 14 hours. My fever broke at some point during the night, and I woke up feeling better but still weak. Today was going to be a challenge. Could I actually do it? I didn’t want to let the others down; I didn’t want to let myself down.
Something magical happened that day. My mind and my body started working together to get me moving. I began to put one foot in front of the other, and I knew I could do what I needed to do to keep going despite how much it hurt. As I walked, I remembered that my friend, who recently ran his first marathon, focused on one person he was grateful for during each mile to distract him from the pain he was feeling during the race. I adopted that approach, reflecting on relationships, life lessons, and expressing gratitude—not just for others but also for myself.
I started with my family—not just a simple “I’m grateful for my amazing sons,” but really delving deep into my experiences as their mother and what I have learned from them over the years. There was no need to rush through this list; I had a long day ahead of me. I could savor each memory and smile as I recalled those special moments. Next, I focused on my husband, the other Nomad, trekking just ahead of me. The list then continued with other family members, friends, colleagues, and even random people who have come into my life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I have learned from each and every one of them; they are all pieces of my puzzle.
I enjoyed nice long conversations with our guide, Sushant. We discussed what his life is like as the youngest of four siblings, how he trained as a guide, his adventures in the Himalayas, and his pride in helping people fulfill their dreams of trekking here. His first rule for a successful trek is to maintain a positive mindset. I especially appreciated hearing stories about his grandfather, who was a Hindu priest and made significant contributions to his community.
Reflecting on all the times this year that I found myself out of my comfort zone—finding the courage to speak up at a board meeting, writing my first newsletter for Two Nomads, joining the board of a national nonprofit focusing on prison reform—I realized that all these situations occurred because I pushed myself beyond my perceived limits. Each experience made me nervous leading up to and during it. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if I stayed in my comfort zone? Why do I do these things that scare me?
As we approached our accommodations for the day, what had started as a daunting physical challenge transformed into a rewarding experience filled with valuable lessons. Now, with a few weeks' separation from that trek, I can reflect on those lessons, reminding me once again why I engage in these experiences. Being out of my comfort zone is where I grow; it’s where I prove to that inner limiting voice that I won’t let it win. Every time I overcome a challenge, that voice gets a little quieter while another voice—the one that pushes me through pain and fear—grows louder.
It all starts by putting one foot forward: raising my hand, sharing a thought, being open to being wrong or learning something new—essentially embracing growth in all its forms. While it's clear that I grew physically on this trek—demonstrated by increased strength in my stride and pace over the remaining days—real growth allows room for my mind to wander: to dream, to hope, to coach myself through challenges, and to be my biggest fan rather than my harshest critic.
In reality, it’s not just mountain treks that teach us what we’re made of; it’s those smaller moments when we choose to take that first step or have difficult conversations that truly reveal our character. For me, it's those moments when I discover I'm braver than I believe, stronger than I seem, and smarter than I think—I just wish I didn’t need reminders so often.
When was the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone? Please share your thoughts, challenges, and victories here.If you can’t remember, what’s holding you back?