Forever Growing

By: Samahra Allen

I have a fear of remaining stuck as the world moves on without me. While people constantly push themselves to leave their comfort zone and chart unfamiliar territory, I always choose to remain in the safety of my own bubble. So as others continue to challenge themselves, and grow, I remain stuck, as they move on without me. 

Venturing Uncharted Territory – Hiking at Clifty Preserves 

Leaving my comfort zone always seemed foreign to me. Talking to people I didn’t know, telling the waitress what I wanted, or even going to places I had never gone, it all scared me. I knew that someday it’d be inevitable–that I would be forced to grow up and grow out of the fear of leaving my comfort zone, and it terrified me. Sometimes it still does, but while I was afraid to leave my comfort zone, I was also afraid that I would continue to remain that way my entire life. I was scared that I’d always be stuck, that I’d always force myself to remain in the safety of my comfort zone, which led to me doing something I never thought I’d muster up enough courage to do: I left. I left the safety of my comfort zone to chart unfamiliar territory. 

Venturing Uncharted Territory – Exploring Findlay Market

The WanderRoots Youth Fellowship has allowed me to do just that. While I may still remain in my comfort zone from time to time, this fellowship has allowed me to chart unfamiliar territory, talk to new people, and conquer my fear one step at a time. As we continue to build the WanderRoots map and chart safe spaces for youth, I believe our fellowship will challenge others to do something they never did, visit a place they never thought they’d go, and grow outside of their comfort zone. As it did for me.