Out of the box

On the Oprah Winfrey show Wednesday the show was about women stepping out of their boxes. Another way of putting it is getting out of their comfort zones. “Four strangers from around the country who are bonded only by their desire to break their routines, overcome their fears and step out of their boxes” came together to take on this challenge.

All of the women had different stories from overcoming the pain of divorce, losing a job, being plagued with personal fears or just feeling as if their cup was empty and they had no more to give. These women did everything from roller derby skating, parachuting out of a plane and finally running naked into the ocean.

I was impressed by everything these women were able to do. I’ve been thinking about whether I could challenge myself to step out of my own box. Now, I know without a doubt I will NEVER jump out of a plane, I’m pretty sure I won’t roller derby, and I will absolutely never run naked on the beach. (So far I’m not stepping out very far) Hmmmm I have a pretty big box.

The Oprah show is now inviting women to write in and tell their stories and sign-up to step out of their box. You have to be up for anything. I haven’t come up with anything myself. Nothing I’m willing to risk life and limb to do. I have many fears but don’t know if I really want to overcome any of them at this point in my life. I have a fear of heights (so I just stay off ladders) I have a fear of public speaking (so I write in a blog instead) and I don’t go naked even in my own house where I live alone. Hmmm now when I was younger that was negotiable.

I've never been a dare devil or a risk taker. For awhile I had thoughts about breaking out of my comfort zone but just never got the courage. When I was young I pushed myself to sing in public but I was always terrified and though I was never booed off the stage I gave it up because it just wasn't fun for me. I loved being part of a chorus but solo performing wasn't for me.

I tried my hand at acting for awhile thinking it would help me overcome my fear of public speaking and it sounded like so much fun. But again, my stage nerves got the best of me and I couldn't project my voice above a whisper. (Not good for those in the back row of the theater)

So, here I am now, safe and snug and sealed up tight in my box.

What box would you like to step out of? Any fears you want to overcome? I’m just curious if I’m the only one content to stay in my box.


AND.... A few Random Thoughts for the Day

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.　

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.　

There is great need for a sarcasm font.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.　

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Bad decisions make good stories.

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.　

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.　

I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.　

I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?　

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.　

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.　

My friend's 4-year old son asked him in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How does one respond to that?　

I think the freezer deserves a light as well..

I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Bud Lights than Kay.