When exploring new things you might feel stressed, nervous, uncomfortable, or you

might even feel excitement. Like doing something out of your comfort zone or something

completely new to you. Well, before reading through this topic I didn't think about doing

anything else besides my regular routine. I decided to take a journey and walk every other day

since I hated being out in the hot weather. I do enjoy going to the gym and walking in indoor

places, but oh boy the hot weather scares me. After going on several walks for two weeks I have

felt better about myself and just enjoy doing it. Yes, it is still very hot, but I do it during sunset so

I don't get all the heat waves from the strong sun.

Being able to proceed to do something out of my comfort zone is something I don't

usually do. I tend to stay on the same weekly routines. It was hard for me to find the motivation I

needed to get up and go on walks, and honestly didn't even know if I was willing to commit. I

chose to walk for this activity, because I knew that it would help me physically and mentally.

Walking every other day is not only benefiting me by relieving some stress outside of home, but

is also helping me out in the long run with my health. I also have noticed it has helped me build

and develop some sort of self-esteem. Just feeling so much better mentally, emotionally, and

feeling accomplished. Being an active person has always been an inspiration to me and I've

always loved that, but it is something out of my comfort zone that now that I committed is

something I don't want to end.

When beginning this new task I came into it with an open mind, and thought in a positive

way to help me get up every afternoon. I expected to feel something and wanted to enjoy

walking to help my mind. Being able to accomplish this weekly routine now really helps get my

mind off things, and also get me thinking clearly about my future plans in life. I also get to enjoy

moments with my son, and get to see familiar people in the park now to where we say “Hi” to
each other. Not going to lie, when that first walk finished, I thought to myself “Do I really want

to walk in this heat?” but I went through with it the next day and the next. Until now, I felt good

about it and now I don't want to stop doing it as my weekly routine.

A lot of people tend to avoid walks, not only because of this Arizona heat, but because

they don't want to interact with people or they might not even feel safe walking nowadays.

There's a lot of things happening in today's world from getting assaulted to shootings, but we

have to find a way to set aside our fears to have a regular life ourselves. Yes, I understand those

who don't feel safe, but what is this world going to become if we're all too scared to even walk

out of our homes? What I would suggest is just be accompanied by another adult, or even as a

group.

Walking really made me realize there's so much to do outside, rather than staying inside

of your home. I believe I feel so much better about myself as a person after going to walk. I feel

so much more accomplished and stress free when I am on walks. Not only are these walks

helping me with my mental health, but also contributing to my physical health. Which I am so

thankful for. For pushing myself after that first walk through the park.

To continue to complete this new routine I just have to stay positive, and think about all

the wonderful things I’m experiencing and thinking while doing this activity. It is definitely

worth exploring out of your comfort zone and trying new things. After this experience I am for

sure more open to try new things. This actually helped me in a positive way and I am so glad I

decided to go walking in the park.

I would definitely say proceed with whatever you are indecisive about, it might be an

excellent or an unpleasant experience, but you won't know until you try it. If it’s wonderful like

in my case, you'll be able not only to change your life, but you will be able to change other
peoples life by mentioning your experience with them. If you do decide to go out of your way to

try new things, just remember to stay positive and be open minded.