It seems that I often hear people talking about their comfort zone, and it usually involves a comment about trying to get “outside” of that zone. Like most people, I think I automatically bought into the idea that we should always attempt to do this, because it somehow would either bring us new insight, or simply break us out of our rut.

Yet I recall an interesting talk with Dr. Armistead one evening during our Galahad training. As the team psychologist, she loved discussing these kinds of things. While it might have been her job to pull thoughts and comments out of me, I treasured the times she would quietly share her own observations and philosophies.

It had been a long day of training, and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process. When I muttered something to her about needing to break out of my comfort zone, I remember that  she smiled and said, “Not necessarily.” Although I can’t recall every word verbatim, she essentially said:

“It depends. It’s true that stepping outside the boundaries of the familiar can sometimes open up new ideas and expose us to new ways of viewing things. But, remember that our comfort zone serves a purpose, too. It provides us with a connection to our strengths, a lifeline of sorts from which we can explore. Sometimes it’s not about stepping OUT of that zone, but rather finding ways of using those strengths in new ways.”

I know that during our journey I’ve faced decisions where I could either try something completely unfamiliar, or I could rely upon the areas where I’m most confident. We all come to those crossroads from time to time, and I think it’s important that we evaluate each situation individually. I want to grow and develop, naturally; but I also want to remain tethered to my core strength, and not simply abandon that for the sake of artificially exploring new pathways.

As is true with so many things in our lives, the key is balance.

(What do you say, Galahad fans? Do you find yourself NEVER taking risks? Never stepping outside your own personal comfort zone? Or do you find yourself doing that so often that you begin to lose touch with your core strengths? Is it maybe a lack of personal confidence in those strengths that causes you to continually search for something different? What ARE your core strengths? Triana shares her thoughts with you, and you’re invited to do the same. Just post your comments here on Triana’s Journal, and feel free to share this site - and Triana’s thoughts - with friends and family members.)

Often I’ll hear someone say, “It’s not good to judge other people.” I know they mean well, and on the surface it sounds very noble. And yet my dad - one of the friendliest, most kind-hearted gentlemen you’d ever meet - taught me the exact opposite. Although it might sound backwards, it continues to help me to this day.

Dad understood that there’s a huge distinction between judging a person by their appearance or  background, and judging a person by their actions and intentions. There are so many people that we come into contact with, and it’s important that we judge their actions in order to make healthy decisions for ourselves.

For instance, when choosing the type of people we want as friends, or the type of people we hang around with, dad was convinced that we should make sound judgments based on their character. These decisions rarely can be made quickly, but given enough time and enough exposure we’re able to evaluate whether or not we want to associate with certain people. If I know someone is into abusing drugs and alcohol, or is into criminal behavior, I’m wise enough to choose not to participate with them. In that case, I have judged them based on their actions, not on something shallow and superficial.

We all make judgments every day, and that can be a good thing. It can keep us out of trouble or danger. It can help us make wise choices, rather than blindly stumbling along because we’re afraid to make a judgment call, or we’re afraid of not fitting in. As dad said, if you’re going to judge someone by their actions, be sure to hold yourself up to those same high standards.

(So what do you say, Galahad fans? Do you understand what Triana’s dad was teaching her? Can you see the difference between someone who is shallow enough to judge a person by their looks, and a person who judges people by their character? Do you agree that this is a good thing? Have you had an experience where making that judgment saved you from terrible consequences? Are you honest enough to hold yourself to the same standards you expect from others? Here’s is your chance to voice your opinions! Your comments on Triana’s Journal are always appreciated!)