Reflections on Hitting My Comfort Zones: Changing My Mind on Boxers, Fishing, and More

Today, I want to talk about a few things that I thought I'd never change my mind about, but eventually did. These changes have not only brought me out of my comfort zones but also taught me valuable lessons about myself and my mindset.

Wearing Boxers

My first change happened with something as simple as wearing boxers. I had always believed that boxers would be uncomfortable and that I would hate them.

But to my surprise, they far outweigh the boxers and briefs that I was used to. The comfort and relaxed fit are unmatched. Before making this change, I was completely wrong, so wrong that it was absurd.

Changing My Ego and Mindset

Another significant change in my life was how I dealt with ego and other people's opinions. At one point in life, I was a very egoistic person. Anyone could hurt me, spoil my mood, or ruin my days by their words, including friends who might have spoken negatively about me.

I would get angry and harbor resentment for days, but that attitude drained me of my energy. I finally realized that this was harmful to my mental health and career. So, I made a conscious effort to distance myself from those who respected and cared about me, and to surround myself with positive influences.

Now, if someone makes a judgment against me, I tend to avoid them without giving too much focus to their words. This transformation has been beneficial not only to my mental health but also to my interpersonal relationships.

Fishing Frenemy

My relationship with my husband's passion for fishing is another aspect of my life where I changed my mind. I was always against fishing and viewed it as the most boring, pathetic hobby ever. My husband, who is deeply passionate about fishing, has been trying to get me to give it a try for years, but I was stubbornly resistant.

Finally, I decided to 'see how I like it.' I didn’t even know why I said yes, but I'm so grateful that I did. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

Fishing is not boring; it requires focus and constant reeling and casting. The tip of the hook is tucked away into the bait, not protruding, so it's not inhumane. No fish are suffocated or hurt. Casting a fishing rod can be sexy and empowering. My husband is delicate and gentle with the fish he catches, and he's genuinely caring. Fishing takes serious arm strength; reeling in a fish is a challenge. Fish can be feisty and have a slight attitude. I caught my first fish, which was a big one in my opinion.

Most importantly, I realized I was wrong about how I felt about fishing. If I could go back in time and present my stance on fishing even a year ago, my husband and I would have a different conversation. I'm proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging my preconceived notions.

These experiences have shown me that keeping an open mind and being willing to step out of my comfort zone can lead to unexpected and enriching discoveries. Not only have I learned more about fishing, but I've also gained a new appreciation for my husband's hobby and a more balanced perspective on life.