this_comfort

/ðɪs ˈkʌmfət/ noun · philosophy

The routines we know.
The things we're good at.
The places where we feel in control.

And there's nothing wrong with that.

But I've come to believe that some of life's most meaningful experiences begin when we're willing to step beyond what we know.

Not because every uncomfortable experience leads to growth. Not because we should constantly push ourselves to our limits.

But because there's something valuable about being willing to try. To be a beginner again. To make mistakes. To discover what we're capable of.

I'm originally from South Africa, now living in the Netherlands.

I'm an engineer by education, an educator by profession, and someone who's become increasingly curious about what happens when we deliberately step into unfamiliar territory.

Outside of my professional world, I've found myself exploring that curiosity in different ways.

• Fighting.
• Public speaking.
• Lecturing.
• Photography.
• Filmmaking.
• Learning things I'm not particularly good at.

Some experiences have pushed me physically. Others have challenged my confidence, patience or willingness to look foolish. And that's something I've learned to appreciate.

There's a particular feeling that comes with being a beginner again. Not knowing what you're doing. Being surrounded by people who are better than you. Making mistakes that seem obvious to everyone else.

And choosing to show up anyway.

I've experienced that in boxing gyms, during Muay Thai training in Thailand, while learning new creative skills, and through situations where I've had to put myself out there.

I don't think that feeling ever completely disappears. Nor do I think it should.

Because I don't think you need to have everything figured out to begin.

I started this_comfort as a way to document the process.

The challenges.
The experiences.
The lessons.
The occasional failures.

Sometimes through a video. Sometimes through a photograph. Sometimes through a story. And sometimes simply by sharing something I'm still trying to understand.

I'm not here to tell people how to live their lives. I'm certainly not claiming to have everything figured out.

I'm just someone who's curious about what happens when we stop letting the fear of being uncomfortable make our decisions for us.

And if sharing those experiences encourages someone else to try something they've been putting off, then that's something worth creating.

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