Kissed By The Sun

I knew the sun well.  She was always outside and I was more of an inside person.  When I went outside, I would acknowledge her and extend a courteous greeting.  She would return a warm greeting.  When I drove my car, I could see her watching me but her presence was calmed by the air conditioning.  Sometimes I turned off the AC and drove with my windows down.  There were times when I ignored the sun while resting my arm on the door.  She gently let me know she was there by lightly touching my arm.  If I continued to ignore her charm, she persisted until the heat was too much and I was forced to pull my arm away.  This wasn't the relationship I wanted; she was too pushy.  But somehow, one day, my feelings changed.  I decided to go to the beach.  I walked outside but she wasn't there...only dark clouds.  I had packed my beach gear for a nice day but she didn't show up.  Was she no longer smitten with me?  I drove around for an hour with my windows down.  Finally, I felt her faint touch on my arm.  Then it became more pronounced.  I looked up and she was back.  We went to the beach and I laid with her.  She watched over me and I felt so comfortable with her.  I fell asleep, for what seemed like a moment.  She woke me from my slumber with a kiss.  It was hot! Oh God, it was hot!  Too hot!  I jumped up, scolded her, and ran away.  For days, I stayed inside and avoided her.  I cursed her as my skin itched uncomfortably and eventually peeled.  My friends tell me often how nice the sun is, but I am too familiar with her.  She brought me pain.  Our relationship will never be the same.

Outside the Comfort Zone

Most people are aware of their comfort zone and even more aware when they step outside of it.  Lots of people choose to remain in their comfort zone.  Why?  Because it's easy.  It's comfortable.  I used to stay inside my comfort zone.  I'm introverted and my shyness always prevented me from doing more.  Then one day I took a look at myself and decided I will try to be better and step outside my comfort zone.  Once I did it, it was scary.  It was highly stressful but I survived.  It was exciting.  I didn't have to wonder if I was capable of doing something anymore.  I knew because I had already done it.  Now, I like to step outside my comfort zone.  I still get the same feelings each time I try something new.  Worry, doubt, frightened, excited.  But, at the end, I get the sense of accomplishment.  That makes it more than worth it.