4 things I've done to step outside of my comfort zone

In this blog we hear from Francesca, Guide and member of our youth steering group Amplify, about her journey to try things outside of her comfort zone.

1. Joining the Army Cadet Force

When I first set eyes on those tall, intimidating teenagers stomping around in full camo, laughing and shoving, my head was spinning! I craved the structure of the Army Cadet Force, so I had to give it a go. Just this once. And then I never had to come again, right?

Guess what? I loved it. The commands, the equipment, shining our boots - it was brilliant. Like many things in the last 12 months, Cadets was just one thing that I’ve challenged myself to try.

2. Joining Girlguiding's youth steering group Amplify

'Another was applying for and becoming a member of Amplify! My mum first told me about Amplify from an email she'd received, and I knew this was the opportunity I'd been waiting for. Following months of excitement, many reassuring emails and a Zoom introduction evening, finally the induction camp had arrived!

The 3-hour journey was just enough to undo all of that good work, and by the time I got there, I was a bag of nerves all over again! I really shouldn’t have worried. Within moments, I was scooped up by Christina, who works on Girlguiding's programme and experiences for girls, and shown inside. Over the next few hours our girl gang grew, and everybody was so kind and welcoming.

3. Joining a craft group

'In the last 12 months I've also started some new crafts, crochet and cross stitch. I found out about a local craft group. They meet every Monday night at one of our local pubs, and my mum and I decided to go along for a session. I took my current crochet project, and my mum took some colouring. It was so lovely seeing local crafters, their projects, and just having a general natter about everything!

Sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, patterns, ideas, and all kinds of crafty things! I felt like I had found some kind ladies who really spoke my language.

I’ve also added journalling into my daily routine, as I’ve wanted to keep a diary for a long time, but never actually taken the leap. I purchased a new, crisp notebook, and started brain-dumping on 1 January.

I’ve had thoughts about recording my teenage years for a while: all of my feelings, emotions, and experiences all in one, sacred notebook. I'm really enjoying this daily ritual, and will keep it going as long as I can.

4. Getting work experience

'As a young woman at the grand age of 13, I wanted to start earning my own money. And I also wanted to help my dad with the family business. He'd just moved into a new office and needed lots and lots of organisation systems put in place.

Guess what? I LOVE organising things. Everything. So I was bound to get organising his office. I’d get paid for it too! In my eyes, what could be better? I mean come on, getting paid to do what I love? I’m in.

So I went into the office, began to work my magic, making plenty of piles all over the floor, sorting out all the random bits of paper from as far back as 2020, up to pieces that had yesterday’s date on it. I was doing my bit for the business, which I was happy about. My dad was happy too, and full of encouragement!

I found trying new things very enlightening. It's challenged me in ways that I couldn’t even imagine, and opened my eyes to a different way of life. Change has helped me grow as a person, expanding my knowledge and experiences. It's helped me to adapt, and develop some resilience.

Trying new things and adding them into my week has really changed my schedule. For example, now I want to do more activities in the evenings rather than in the day, so I go to bed later and wake up later.

When you challenge yourself to try something new, it's as if your brain has had a break from its normal processes, so it feels renewed. I like it. What’s the worst that could happen? Get out there and try.'