During our vacation on a small island of the Maldives, I faced some significant challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is an experience I'm proud of.

Usually, I struggle with seasickness on boats, but I was determined to join the three daily boat trips, so I took seasickness pills thrice a day before setting sail. These pills helped me endure the boat rides to the surf spots, allowing me to relax, appreciate the stunning views, and witness beautiful sunsets from the upper deck without feeling ill.

I would also like to mention our captain and his skipper, who made us feel safe at all times. They even kept an eye on us while we were in the line up. They also mastered some trips in high waves with their professional knowledge.

Despite the Maldives' reputation for good quality waves, I initially hesitated due to their size. However, by venturing out of my comfort zone and eagerly waiting for waves, I eventually started enjoying the surfing experience. Taking a lesson with our surf guide also boosted my confidence.

One morning, when I was surfing in “Sultans” next to a small uninhabited island, Dani showed up in the lineup with his Nikonos analog underwater camera, diving goggles, and snorkel. After a brief moment, he called out to me, “Hey Katy, a 1.5-meter-long blacktip shark just swam beneath your feet.” First I was startled! Being somewhat fearful of some sea creatures, especially sharks, this encounter initially made me nervous. But after watching the peaceful and gentle nature of the small blacktip sharks while snorkeling without a surfboard helped me realize that there was nothing to be afraid of.

Another “Step Out of my Comfort Zone” experience allowed me to witness these amazing creatures. It was a truly unforgettable moment that I cherish. Stepping out of my comfort zone enabled me to create this lasting memory and feel proud of myself.

Embrace such opportunities and step out of your comfort zones to collect moments, not things!!! Because material possessions can lose their appeal over time, but the special moments you encounter remain distinctive and invaluable. These moments shape your personality, foster connections with loved ones, and provide solace during tough times. They are cherished memories that endure in your mind indefinitely.

All these experiences helped me grow and exceed my own expectations, a personal achievement I cherish. I look forward to return one day to further enhance my surfing skills and to probably getting even more out of my comfort zone.

Loads of Love,

Katy

Pics by Daniell Bohnhof

Text by Katrin Bohnhof