Something about fall makes me want to curl up by a fireplace and drink hot cocoa. I find myself pining for nights of cozying up with a good show (Revenge, anyone?) and staying warm under the covers. As good as these nights can be, there’s a small problem—it keeps me in my comfort zone.

As nice as it can sound to just stay in and relax, it’s important to keep breaking out of the mold and trying new things. Even though the weather is getting colder, we can’t let our goals go into hibernation. Sure, we’ll be happy staying in but I think we’ll be just as happy, if not happier, when we’re embarking on new adventures.

Even though it’s fall, it doesn’t matter what the season when it comes to the comfort zone.  While we definitely need times of reflection and solitude, it’s also important to find solidarity by reaching out to our friends and continuing to look beyond the horizon.

We can all be talkers. Sure, we’ll travel to Europe. Sure, we’ll try scuba diving. Sure, we’ll go to the gym. But are we actually living up to what we’re saying? It’s so much easier to pacify others and ourselves by saying we’ll get around to our goals someday. What really counts is when we live up to our word and actually make plans. When we buy that plane ticket, take that diving class and hop on that treadmill that’s when we’re getting somewhere.

I think the key is to make these goals ever present. Surround yourself in them. Make them a daily part of your life by putting pictures around your room, writing down smaller goals that will lead to your ultimate one on a daily basis and by getting encouragement from your friends and family. Hold yourself accountable for what you want to achieve.

As nice as those nights of watching TV can be every now and then, in reality, they don’t get us too far. While we all need to be in balance, I think it’s manageable to have the joys of autumn cozying up while still planning ahead for your dreams.

One of the best side effects of breaking away from the comfort zone is that it brings others closer to us. When we’re reaching new levels of learning and potential, we gain greater and stronger friendships in the process. That is always a worthwhile endeavor.

So use this time to your advantage. Enjoy the hot apple cider, the pumpkin pie (my favorite!), and the special time of with your friends and family. But also take this time to find things to look forward to—it’s a season of possibilities.

Keep shining,

The Sunny Girl, Lauren Cook

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