Stepping Out of your Comfort Zone for Phenomenal Growth

Donna Wilson-Booker’s adventurous spirit began in West Philadelphia, where she grew up with a love for daydreaming about the vast landscapes of Wyoming. She was drawn to the idea of leaving the noise and concrete of the city behind and embracing the tranquility and open spaces of the Cowboy State. The wild horses of Wyoming became a symbol of the untamed spirit and freedom she longed for. The image of hooves pounding and manes flying in the wind captured her imagination. Riding bucking wild horses across the expansive plains represented the adventure and indulgence she craved. This early fascination with excitement and travel planted a seed that would shape Donna into the adventurous woman she is today.

People born with an untamed spirit thrive on the thrill of exploring the unknown, seeking out new challenges, and constantly pushing their boundaries. For them, trying new adventures comes more naturally and effortlessly. Their adventurous spirit drives them to constantly seek out new experiences, whether it’s traveling to unfamiliar destinations, engaging in adrenaline-fueled activities, or immersing themselves in different cultures. Their openness to new adventures allows them to continuously evolve and grow as individuals.

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a transformative experience for those who may not have an innate adventurous spirit. It allows individuals to break free from self-imposed limitations and discover hidden passions and interests. While some individuals may not naturally possess an adventurous spirit, it is important to recognize that not everyone is born with the same level of enthusiasm for trying new things. For these individuals, stepping out of their comfort zone may require a little more effort and intentionality. However, this does not mean that they are incapable of embracing new adventures and experiencing personal growth. Through deliberate acts of stepping out of their comfort zone, they can truly embrace opportunities for self-discovery and development.

Donna’s Travelogue

As a determined 13-year-old, Donna decided to save every penny she earned from doing chores at her grandmother’s house, fueling her passion for exploration. With her hard-earned savings, she set off on a transformative summer in California and Hawaii, accompanied by her uncle and brother. She pinpoints this experience as the initiation of a long-lasting passion for travel that would shape the course of her life.

Despite the demands of raising two children and the pursuit of a challenging career with the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as working as an independent contractor for the federal government, Donna always found ways to satisfy her wanderlust. She took sporadic trips to destinations like Aruba, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, but it was in Aruba where she found her beloved getaway spot.

Donna’s adventurous spirit extended beyond leisurely travels. “I was blessed to do missions work with my church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church over a ten year span starting in 2007. I visited Kenya twice and South Africa several years later. Those trips were amazing and impacted my life immensely.” These experiences not only enriched her own life but also made a profound impact on the lives of those she encountered.

Donna shared, “After being divorced, I met my soon-to-be husband Michael, whom I’ve known since childhood, in church. He wasn’t a traveler at all! He was perfectly content staying at home. Well, I got him out of his comfort zone and started planning!” 

“When we decided to get married, I thought it would be different and exciting to get married in Tuscany, Italy. I’ve always dreamt my wedding would be a certain way; imagine my surprise when it actually happened.”  Their 2016 wedding surpassed Donna’s wildest dreams, solidifying their shared love for travel and inspiring them to continue exploring the world together.

Whether traveling alone, with her husband, or with friends, Donna’s adventures have allowed her to witness the beauty of God’s creations firsthand. From the vast oceans and majestic mountains to the rich cultures and vibrant cuisines, she has been in constant awe of the world’s diversity. Donna emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in local communities, walking the streets, and embracing different cultures to truly experience the essence of a place. “Staying at an all inclusive hotel is definitely a no (unless it’s a kids vacation too).”

“Aruba became my love and I have been there just about every year since 2003. I actually took a picture sitting next to a Siberian tiger in Aruba! Many have called me crazy for doing that; I’m just a risk taker I guess!”

“Once I got into traveling regularly, I wanted more adventure! One of the most memorable things I’ve done was to wrap a python snake around my neck in Bangkok, Thailand, in January 2017.” That was an experience!

Speaking of adventure seeking, Donna took the leap and went skydiving with her family in her home state of New Jersey, for her 53rd birthday proving that age is no barrier to embracing thrilling escapades. (I wonder where her scores on the Sensation Seeking Scale – more on that later). 

Donna drops her black girl magic on the places she visits. She shared, “It’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the native language(s) of whatever country you’re visiting.  It’s assumed by so many of us in the U.S. that everyone should speak English in their own countries! Locals appreciate when I try to speak to them in their language. I also make it a point to study the culture. It’s important to understand what is considered acceptable in terms of clothing and basic interactions.” Donna emphasizes the significance of respecting local customs and laws, recognizing that this understanding enhances the overall travel experience.

By following her modus operandi of consideration and positivity, she feels more connected to citizens in the countries she has visited. “I never really experienced any major problems during my travels. There’s always one rude person. Or someone that looks at you strangely. But for the most part, the people have been welcoming. If you’re pleasant and happy, it can only rub off on others.” 

Donna has found throughout her travels, “One thing that is very prevalent in many countries is Black American Culture. You often hear our music and see our style across all different cultures.” Donna has encountered curious locals who inquire about the history and experiences of black Americans. She takes pride in sharing the untold stories and shedding light on the true experiences of Black people in the United States. Their response, “Everyone is in complete shock! A lot of the world has no idea about the true experiences of Black people in the U.S.” This only highlights the need for a broader understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.

“I’m grateful for my traveling experiences but I have not fulfilled my childhood dream of riding a wild horse in Wyoming, yet….I plan to take horse back riding lessons hopefully this spring!” Donna Wilson-Booker

At the age of 64, Donna’s travels have been a testament to the transformative power of adventure. From her childhood dreams of wild horses in Wyoming to her boundless exploration of the world, she has embraced the unknown, defied expectations, and enriched her life in immeasurable ways. Her passport book stamped with memories serves as an inspiration for mature black women, reminding us to live life with a quest for adventure and an open heart to the wonders of the world. 

How About You? Having an adventurous spirit is often associated with a high level of sensation seeking behavior. One way to measure this inclination towards seeking out thrilling and stimulating experiences is through the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS). Developed by psychologist Marvin Zuckerman, this psychological assessment tool helps gauge an individual’s preference for novel and exciting activities. The scale consists of four sub-scales: thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility. High scores on the scale indicate a greater inclination towards adventurous and risky behaviors, while low scores suggest a preference for stability and routine.

Embracing an adventurous spirit allows us to seek out new experiences and push our boundaries, ultimately living life to the fullest. Regardless of our natural inclination towards adventure, it is important to recognize the value of stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown. Through these ventures, we have the opportunity to discover ourselves, push our limits, and unlock our full potential. Whether it comes naturally or requires a conscious effort, everyone has the ability to embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery by embracing new adventures.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10

Thank you for taking time to read this article. Do you have an adventurous spirit? When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Please share your feedback with us by leaving a comment below.

Originally published January 14, 2024