SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 THE COLORS HAVE BEGUN! I LEFT FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE MONTH AND CAME BACK TO FALL. THE COTTONWOODS IN THE BACKYARD HAVE ALL BEGUN TO CHANGE, THE GARDEN HAS STOPPED PRODUCING, AND I HAD A PILEATED WOODPECKER SIGHTING... ALL MY SIGNS OF FALL.
Welcome Reader,
I spent the first part of the month in Olympic National Park. And specifically guiding a hiking trip of all women. We spent a week on the high alpine getting wind-swept from the coastal fog, drenched in the deep temperate rainforest and ultimately humbled on the coast as we stood at the edge of a beached whale (a first for me).
I was reminded on this trip of the value and importance of pushing out of our comfort zone. When I was an Outward Bound instructor we would often teach the concept of "growth circle." You can think about each of us having three concentric circles, the center-most circle being our comfort zone. This is where we spend our day to day lives. Our dog walks, our cooking and eating habits, our daily routines... this is where we feel comfortable, and it should. By having routines, being surrounded by systems and people that support us we are able to move through Maslow's Hierarchy of needs (another whole discussion). Living in the comfort zone allows us to be "us."
The outermost ring is the danger zone. This circle is where we move into a fight-or-flight feeling. Our sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive and we do what we feel is necessary to protect ourselves. Spending time, and specifically too much time here can have significant damage on our well-being.
But the middle ring is an interesting sweet spot, the growth ring. This circle is meant to push us. To get us out of our daily routines, to engage in the world in a new way and allow us to see what we are capable of. This is where learning and growth occurs. Mel Robbins' iconic statement of "5-seconds of courage" stems from this ring. We have to step out of our comfort zone and into growth to see what we are capable of.
The most beautiful thing about these concentric circles is that they are vastly different for each and every one of us. What is in one person's comfort circle could be in someone else's danger zone. My challenge to you is to first start understanding just where your comfort circle boundaries are. Then, find a way each day or each week to step outside of it. Sometimes it will be small, trying a new restaurant, and sometimes larger, going on a trip that you would have never imagined a year ago.
And then let me know what you tried! Yes, for real, send me an email and let me know what growth occurred in you.
WE HAVE RHYTHMS OF LIFE TO GROUND US AND SUPPORT US
BUT WE ALSO HAVE THE FREE WILL AND CAPACITY TO TAKE DARING STEPS OUTSIDE OF THESE
IT IS IN THESE MOMENTS WE FIND WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF.
|
|
Nourishment
I am definitely on a seafood kick, and tried to eat as much as possible while on the coast. Here is another one from Salmon Sisters that looks AWESOME!
Cook it up →
|
Reading
Ok I know, super geeky but I was reading this while prepping and on my trip. His writing style is humorous, detailed and can be read like a book or just for fun facts.
GET IT →
|
|
In Awe
I spent the first part of the month in Olympic National Park... It was magical to say the least. Three ecosystems in one park, if you haven't been I would strongly recommend!
Learn more →
|