Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

Originally written for and posted on the Upstate International website.

Moving abroad is no small feat. It requires leaving behind the familiar – your favorite cafes, your go-to stores, and the comfort of routine – to venture into the unknown with hopes of creating a better future. For some, it’s a new beginning; for others, it’s pursuing a loved one’s dreams.

In September, I made that leap. I packed my belongings and flew halfway around the world to Shanghai, China. With limited knowledge of the country, minimal travel experience, and no previous moving experience, it was a significant step. But I felt that it was a step that would transform the trajectory of my life.

People often ask, “What’s the biggest difference between the United States and China?” or “What culture shocks did you face?” But surprisingly, I’ve found myself noticing the similarities more than the differences. Yes, China has its unique challenges—an unfamiliar language, a different currency and payment methods, and a very distinct approach to bathroom culture. But at the end of the day, it’s a country filled with people simply living their lives: commuting to work, socializing with friends, eating dinner, and enjoying time with family.

Still, every week brings something new, pushing me to move beyond my comfort zone. But what really defines a comfort zone? I’ve realized that we don’t truly know our limits until we’re confronted with a new experience that challenges what we’ve always known. Did I inherit these hesitations from my parents? Did the media I grew up with shape my willingness to try new things? Or were my fears influenced by the concerns of others?

Recently, I took a small step outside my comfort zone by trying prawns. Seafood, in general, has always been something I’ve avoided, partly because I can’t help but picture Dory from Finding Nemo swimming around, judging my choices. But with the encouragement of friends, I decided to give it a shot—and it was delicious. That moment wasn’t just about food—it was about challenging a long-held barrier, however small it seemed.

So, perhaps the key to breaking through these boundaries is embracing the bold curiosity we often leave behind in our youth. Children are fearless and somehow, their limited worldview paradoxically opens them up to so many more possibilities.

In the end, it’s not the unfamiliar that holds us back—it’s the limitations we set for ourselves. And as we move through the world, it’s these invisible lines that shape what we’re willing to experience. But how often do we stop and ask ourselves what those lines are really made of? And, more importantly, what happens when we step beyond them?