A newfound life mantra: Setting the sky as my limit

Hello, weekenders!

With three hours to the deadline, I am writing this last-minute response to the Week 146 prompts hosted by @galenkp. My weekend has been packed — having to work on a Saturday in the office and spending the Sunday with a close friend of mine — but I just could not dismiss the topics this week. I find them a great conversation starter!

So here’s my take on pushing our limits…

As I have shared in my Hive introduction post, Out Of My Comfort Zone, Into The Hive, I used to be someone who only travel in pages rather than places. I was a hermit who finds socializing not only draining but also very intimidating. I always get scared whenever I’m surrounded by strangers. On how I present myself and on how they might perceive me. Because, you see, I’m an awkward person. Still is (but a little better now, I hope?).

There were many times that I hated myself for being the way that I am. I wished there was more to me other than my love for books, poetry and daydreams. So, while brooding on quarter life crisis and existentialism, I did the unthinkable.

I left the comforts of my room and decided to meet people.

I started joining clubs — badminton club, dance club, even a Bible study group. And I did it all at once! Me — who can’t even pick up a shuttle cock properly, who have a funny hand-foot coordination, who haven’t read the scriptures for a long time. Strangers after strangers, I threw myself “out there” with voice shaking in every get-to-know-yous.

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I also started sharing my love for poetry with others. I did a number of spoken word poetry on stage, in front of other hopeless romantics like me. It felt great and freeing.

But probably the best decision I’ve ever did that made me go out of my comfort zone, literally and figuratively, was when I agreed to a friend’s invite to go on a hike.

Being outdoors opened my eyes to the beauty nature and people. From the mountains to the seas, I was able to learn the value of sharing our pains and joys with others. Most importantly, my experiences made me love life a lot more.

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Looking back, had I not pushed my limits, I wouldn't have been able to meet my friends now. Had I stayed in my comfort zone, I wouldn't have heard the stories they hold. Had I boxed myself in my preconceived beliefs about what I can and cannot do, I wouldn't have grown as a person.

So, I guess, that's it for this quick life reflection. I hope in my own little way, I can inspire others to too. Let's go out there and take risks. Do it scared if we must. It'll be worth the experience and the lesson. ☺️

_{Hello! I'm Maria, a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. I hope to share my love for words and the world with you here in HIVE.}

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