When I started this blog, I had 2 goals. One, to document this very exciting time in my life. And two, to meet some new friends! I have always been quite shy and meeting new people has always been hard for me. Even when I have worked with great people, I haven’t become close friends with them because I have never had the confidence to take an acquaintance-type relationship and make gestures toward a real friendship. There is a part of me that thinks, “she won’t want to get together with me.” Sad, I know.
One of the reasons I love communicating online is that I feel like I let my guard down a little bit (look at me baring all here!). I even met my sweet hubby on-line. We had shared so much online, and then on the phone, that by the time we met, I wasn’t terrified…just a little nervous. I think I felt the same way about blogging and decided it would be a great way to meet some people.
Now comes the hard part…actually “meeting” people. This is always where I chicken out. I get to know people as acquaintances, but don’t make the effort to actually go out and socialize because I’m nervous. Dave and I are both homebodies and love out nights in watching tv and just being alone with one another. Because we are both more comfortable with our routine, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company, we don’t push each other enough to socialize. So I am pushing myself!
I am really excited to meet a local blogger this weekend. (I let the suspense build by not mentioning names!). I am hoping that the nervousness will leave me since we’ve already “broken the ice” through blogging. I also responded to Elina’s call for Boston ladies who want to run together. This pushes me out of my comfort zone on 2 levels. Of course, it involves meeting new people. But it also involves running with other people…
I have a real fear of not being able to keep up with other people in terms of athleticism. Even my husband… he’s run a couple of marathons and several half marathons, so in my head, I feel like I won’t be able to keep up. (Let’s forget for a minute that he could care less if I ran slower or had to stop! Let’s also forget that right now, I am running longer and farther than he is. None of that matters when it comes to how my mind has been working.) Growing up, I had no confidence in my physical ability. I didn’t play sports, finished last when we had to run the mile in gym class, and felt completely uncoordinated. I have no reason to feel that way now, but my mind flashes back to those insecure feelings. I have chosen to run alone so that if I stop, if I have a bad run, if I need to walk…no one sees.
This year is all about pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I am going back to school and changing careers. I am signing up to run a half marathon. I am running 13+ miles. Now… I am going to meet new people. And I am going to run with other people for the sheer enjoyment of it!
See what I mean about the internet letting me be more outgoing??? I just bared my soul to you!
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I will leave you tonight with my favorite meal of the day. I microwaved and apple with a bit of sugar and cinnamon, then added some pumpkin, raisins, and a 1/2 cup of oatmeal. With a little milk and a little water, I microwaved it again. What an amazing combination!
I will definitely be making this again on the next chilly day!
Good night to all of my new friends!
The oatmeals looks amazing. Very fall-like!
The internet is funny that way. People used to assume it’s for people that don’t go out, but it’s become a tool for bringing people to together. I met my boyfriend online too and it was like we were best friends before we met.
Congrats on pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in all these different areas.
that oatmeal bowl is lookin’ HAWT! hahah.
i sometimes think i am totally not athletic. my friend D has to slap me and say uhh no you ARE.
good luck with your running! i’m rootin’ for you!
The oatmeal looks fantastic! I have to write down cinnamon and raisins, which is something I could add to my oatmeal too. It sounds perfect.
I didn’t know you met Dave online! That’s so neat. Thanks for being so open. It helps, doesn’t it??? And, good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting some blogger friends. I can’t wait to hear about it.
First of all, thank you for the very sweet comment on my blog! 🙂
And I can totally relate to you. I have struggled with the same exact things before as far as making myself meet people and even being afraid to run with other people. You will continue to get more and more comfortable in these areas the more you put yourself out there!!
Great blog, btw! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! I’m enjoying your blog as well.
Just found your blog through Melissa Nibbles’ blog. Annnnnd I’m another one who met my boyfriend online! ❤ Awww, super cute!
It's always hard to break out and get to know people. But I'm glad things are going so well for you! Looking forward to reading your blog again. Are you going to the meetup at Whole Foods on 11/7?
Hi! So glad you found me! I’ll be following your blog as well!
I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s tough to move out of your comfort zone and meet new people! Just remember… there are others of us out there who are just as nervous (you know, like, um, me for example =P). Also – I didn’t realize you were one of the ones who was going to meet up for the Sunday runs! I want to meet up with you guys eventually, but I’m racing in a 5k road race today. Anyway – I’m going to add you to my blogroll =D
Good luck in the race! I will be looking forward to meeting you on future runs!