Weekly Reflections #18: Breaking Comfort Zones!

_{Hello Everyone👋🏽.
This is @alli001 from #Nigeria🇳🇬.}

An elderly man once shared wise words with me, "You haven't truly experienced life's challenges as long as you remain in your comfort zone". I initially dismissed his statement as mere speech, until I ventured out of my familiar surroundings a few months ago. Leaving my comfort zone was a transformative experience that tested my resilience and resolve. Now, I'm eager to share my journey, struggles, and triumphs with you all through this contest. By doing so, I hope to inspire others to step out of their own comfort zones and discover the growth that awaits.

Inside the bus going to oruk anam	When we arrived at the park

My journey outside my comfort zone began on a Sunday evening when I received an urgent call from a client, seeking my engineering expertise at his construction site. With only a day's notice, I was expected to report to work on Monday. I swiftly packed essentials, knowing I'd be away for over a week. The site was located in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, a considerable distance from my Uyo residence. To arrive on time, I rose before dawn, departing at 5:00 am to ensure an 8:00 am arrival and immediate commencement of work.

Upon arriving at Oruk Anam Local Government Area, I encountered an unforeseen setback that made me question my decision to leave my comfort zone. My client was a youthful 26-year-old who had promised to pick me up from the park. However, his phone was unreachable, leaving me bewildered and uncertain. With no funds to return home, I found myself stranded and hungry. Desperate, I appealed to passersby for assistance, explaining my predicament, but my pleas fell on deaf ears. The harsh reality of my situation sunk in. I was alone, penniless, and abandoned in an unfamiliar place😢.

When i took to the street of orukanam searching for physical labor job

With no other options, I took to the streets of Oruk Anam Local Government Area with shovel on my neck, searching for any available work to sustain myself. Fortune smiled upon me when a kind stranger offered me a day's labor at his construction site.

The sand I was asked to pack	The blocks I was asked to pack

My task was to pack sand and blocks, and in exchange, I would receive 4,000 naira (approximately 14.3 Steem). Grateful for the opportunity, I poured my energy into the physical labor, driven by the promise of a meal and some financial respite. In that moment, the elderly man's words resonated deeply, "You haven't truly experienced life's challenges until you leave your comfort zone". My frustrating ordeal had transformed into a valuable lesson. I realized that life's greatest growth often lies beyond familiarity. This unexpected detour taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing uncertainty.

Packing blocks using wheel barrow	Throwing the sand to another spot using my shovel

The scorching afternoon sun made the labor even more harder, but my determination to earn a livelihood kept me going. However, as the hours passed, hunger and stomach discomfort set in. I hadn't eaten since morning. When my client approached, inquiring about my progress, I explained my health concerns and requested partial payment to alleviate my hunger and continue working. But to my surprise, he refused, insisting on full completion of the task before any payment. Disheartened, I couldn't help but yearn for the comfort and security of my own home, where basic necessities like food were never a concern.

I finally completed the work	Sweating and looking tired😫

Following an hour-long rest, I summoned my last reserves of energy and resumed work, driven by the prospect of payment. Three grueling hours later, I completed the task, exhaling deeply in relief. Though my body ached and pride was wounded, I acknowledged this hardship as a life lesson. Tears welled up inwardly, contrasting the stark reality with my familiar comfort zone, where sustenance was never a struggle.

I was happy when got my payment

As I was trying to refresh myself with a bath and changed into fresh clothes, my client arrived in his car to inspect the completed work. He was visibly impressed with the meticulous arrangement of sand and blocks, cleverly designed to prevent rainwater from washing away the sand. "You've done an excellent job," he acknowledged, handing over the agreed-upon 4,000 naira. His satisfaction and prompt payment brought a sense of relief and happiness. I had to use 500 naira out of that money to buy bread, and use the remaining for my transportation back to Uyo.

I've learnt a lot breaking out of my comfort zone

Breaking my comfort zone was unthinkable, but it taught me resilience, fearlessness, and adaptability. That experience sparked immense growth, preparing me for life's unforeseen challenges. If you're not breaking out from your comfort zone once in your life, that means life hasn't dealt with you. I'll advise you pray for such experience, so that you prepare yourself for the worse, incase it strikes.

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_{I would like to invite @goodybest @patjewell and @josepha to participate.}

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CC:
@damithudaya

All pictures are my own