A guest blog Marcia Nguyen – how to leave your comfort zone.
This last month, I found myself on V2 Radio, taking part in their Battle of the Businesses quiz. It’s a daily competition between two businesses, with the winner receiving a pizza voucher. While the quiz itself worried me, speaking about the work we do at My Sisters’ House Women’s Centre made me even more anxious.
Each day, I joined the quiz from one of our offices, with team members gathered around me for support. I made it clear from the start that whilst talking about our work was the most nerve-wracking part for me, many of those present are the true experts when it comes to domestic abuse. They have experienced the devastating impact it has on women and children, the holistic support My Sisters House provides, and the tireless work we do to raise awareness and challenge the abuse of women and girls.
For the women who come through the doors of My Sisters’ House, the stakes are high. Many stay in relationships that aren’t right for various reasons – often out of fear of what they might lose if they leave. The risk they take in stepping away from a damaging relationship is immense, and they deserve all the support we can give as they rebuild their lives.
Recently, I watched a documentary on Netflix called Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa. I expected it to focus on Lhakpa’s passion for climbing Mount Everest, but it was so much more. It was about her ten successful climbs of Everest while raising two daughters and surviving an abusive marriage. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest mountains we climb are not physical but emotional and mental and they take tremendous courage to conquer.
In both big and small ways, stepping outside of our comfort zones is necessary for personal growth and change. Whether it’s speaking on the radio or leaving an abusive relationship, it’s the courage to take that first step that matters most.
A few years back, I attended an in-person session with the Lucidity Network on challenging your inner voice, which helped form my personal mantra;
Acknowledge this is outside of your comfort zone, and that’s okay.
We all need to take risks or do something that makes us uncomfortable. Celebrate those challenges for yourself and remember why they’re worth it.
The Lucidity Network has been a great space to help me grow and challenge myself beyond my comfort zone, and I’m proud to be a member. Join me there if you’d like to learn how to take bold steps toward action and growth.
Marcia Nguyen is Senior Fundraising and Communications Manager at My Sister’s House.