Some of my favourite follows on Instagram and Pinterest give good inspirational quote. It’s like getting a little shot of motivation every time you look at your phone. One that particularly resonates is, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” It’s true, right? When you do things that maybe you really want to do, but they make you feel a bit nervous, those are the things that have the power to change your path, or at the very least make remember-them-forever memories.

It’s incredibly easy to let weeks, months, even years slip by without doing anything that pushes you out of your comfort zone. I’m as guilty of this as anyone. But when I found myself in a life slump just over a year ago I decided to do something about it. Which is how I ended up…

…quitting my job.

With no real plan as to what I was going to do next. Yes it was a huge decision. But in the end it wasn’t as hard as you’d think. I spent the year after ticking off places on my travel to do list and learning new skills, giving myself the space to work out how I want the rest of my life to be. I still don’t have it all figured out, but I’m getting there.

…going on holiday on my own.

Just me. And yeah, I ended up eating the odd meal with just a book for company. But that’s not so terrible. Turns out that it’s not so hard to meet people. My advice? Smile at people over breakfast. Say hello to your neighbour on the cross-country bus instead of plugging in your iPod. Say yes when someone invites you to do something even if you’re not sure (I mean, as long as you don’t hate the idea). You never know where that smile, hello, yes, might lead. If all else fails join a group trip. See, not so hard.

…feeling the fear, and doing it anyway.

I was on a group press trip with a bunch of other journalists. The afternoon’s activity was zip lining. Over a fall-and-you’d-definitely-die drop. Everybody else took their turn. As I stood on the platform looking down I felt sick. But I didn’t want to be the only one who hadn’t jumped. So I let go. Best. Feeling. Ever. Like flying. I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again. But I’m glad I did it once.

Next week I’m going to a 40th birthday party. Where I’ll know no one except the birthday girl. Which makes me feel very nervous. I mean she can’t talk to me all night. But I wouldn’t miss celebrating this major milestone in my new friend’s life for the world. She’s lovely. I’m sure her friends will be too. And it beats staying in, right?

Secretly dying to do something that scares you just a little bit? Do share below. Who knows, maybe it’ll be the first step on an exciting new journey! And if you need any more inspiration you can buy yourself your own Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone wall sticker at Not On The High Street as a daily reminder.