I was at a party the other night. There were a bunch of people, and I didn’t know a single one of them. It was uncomfortable. I was standing around, alone, holding a mediocre cup of coffee in my hand – and feeling very awkward.
But I fought the inner voice that said, “I’m never trying this again.” I didn’t want to give in to those thoughts. This discomfort was a new experience, and an experience I think every one of us should embrace.
You see, to create things nobody else is creating, we must embrace experiences no one else is embracing. Amazing art comes from out-of-the-ordinary experiences. And while we’ve all been in a party and felt uncomfortable and alone, very few of us embrace those feelings and resist the urge to flee (or play Words With Friends on our phone).
I’m convinced that great things come from hanging out with folks that make you feel a little uncomfortable. Finding yourself in situations you aren’t familiar with. Agreeing to something when the internal alarm bells are ringing – begging you not to find yourself in a weird situation.
I’m not saying we should do unwise things, like committing crimes (although…). But I am saying we need to get out of our comfort zone. When you feel alone and awkward, go strike up a conversation with the other person feeling the same way across the room. When that opportunity comes along during your favorite primetime television show, DVR it instead and go on an adventure.
Live an extraordinary life and create extraordinary things. Wouldn’t we all be a bit more interesting at parties if we lived that way?
Amen to that brother. These blogs are so encouraging.
Amen to that brother. These blogs are so encouraging.