Paddling in the Uncomfortable Zone (and my cute new sunglasses!)

Something I realize more and more in life is that the situations that make us uncomfortable turn out to be really great experiences and a chance to grow.

On Sunday I had to chance the take a free Floyo class as part of CapitalSUP's grand opening weekend in Annapolis.  Floyo is a mix of yoga and pilates, all while on a stand up paddleboard. I'm not very experienced with water sports and have never been stand up paddleboarding ever.  

I somehow managed to convince my boyfriend to come,with who's trying to get fit and is supporting my summer goal of doing more outdoor activities. I was really excited because it sounded so fun, but as soon as we got on the dock I was extremely nervous, anxious, and a little scared. It was a small class of around 7 people. Jessie, the founder of Floyo who I know from November Project and her yoga and spin classes, was teaching and did her best to make me feel at ease. I haven't done yoga regularly in a while so trying to do it on a paddleboard on the water made it more difficult. Clearly. 

Sitting on the dock of the bay...

I paddled on my knees out to the spot where we were going to have class because my legs were so shaky that I didn't want to try to stand up and fall in immediately.  In the beginning of class Scott fell off his board into the water, and after that he felt like he wanted to leave. He finished the class like a champ, even though he's far harder on himself.  

During the warrior poses I was still feeling shaky and had those negative voices in my head. All I thought of was how embarrassed I would be if I fell in. 

I'm in the blue on the right doing a modified warrior pose!
(photo courtesy of Jessie and Floyo's facebook page!)

Eventually I got into the yoga flow and realized, so what? I had said it was my first time being on a paddleboard and if I fell it's nothing to be upset about.  I'm trying something new and uncomfortable.  

I really enjoyed the yoga class and became more comfortable with standing on the board. I even got a wheel pose on my third attempt instead of just trying to go for a bridge pose after two almost  wheel poses.  

It's like that Jillian Michaels mantra she yells in her workout videos "get comfortable with being uncomfortable".   

(photo courtesy of Jessie and Floyo's facebook page!)

After class I even stand up paddled all the way back to the dock and was so proud.  I can't wait to try stand up paddleboarding and Floyo again.  

The whole morning was just a really big reminder that really great things can come out of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. I've gotten a lot better at putting myself out there with blog-related things, November Project, meeting people, and going to things like Fitbloggin' where I'm heading solo to meet a bunch of fitness-loving strangers! 

Still, I have many of those moments and situations where I'm shy, nervous, and scared. 

When you are trying something that's out of character or out of your safe and comfortable bubble, there is always a bit of a struggle. No matter how it goes, you always learn a lesson.  Believing in yourself and channeling positive energy always leads to happiness, in some way or another. Trying something new is the way I've found some many things I now love.  Allowing fear and self-doubt to takeover your life takes you away from happiness.

Feeling happy post-Floyo with green juice in hand (thanks DRIP)! 

Since you know I love my TUT emails, this one I had saved still rings true for me: 

The loudest arguments, Lauren, happen in your own head, and your greatest opponent, is yourself. Happily, you're the most amazing peacekeeper, strategic negotiator, brilliant diplomat, hot life coach, and coolest best friend we've ever known. Check,     The Universe

Besides when I was floyo-ing (for fear of losing them!) all day I wore my new Nectar panama pink sunnies sunglasses. 

Nectar gave me the opportunity to review a pair of sunglasses, and I jumped at the offer when I saw their cute selection. I am constantly losing and breaking sunglasses with them being shoved in various purses and places so I am always buying really inexpensive sunglasses from stores like Target each season.  Nectar  sunnies are around $20 and offer free shipping in the U.S. so it's exactly my style. 

All the features on the side of the box

I loved that they are lightweight, offer 100% UV protection, and came with a cute little pouch to protect them from getting scratched up in my purse!

Looking so fresh for summer, haha

You can purchase your own Nectar sunnies here. Also you can use the code "lovenectar" for 10% off your purchase and save some money for a summer adventure! 

Tweet to Nectar @nectarsunglass  and me @BreatheBlog to let me know if you pick up some sunnies! 

 When is the last time you tried something new?


Disclaimer: I received a coupon code to purchase sunglasses and tracking link to pass on from Nectar Sunglasses. I received no other compensation for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.