Out of My Comfort Zone (And Loving It): How Self-Compassion Turned Me Into a Risk-Taker

Hi Friend!

So, a little insight in to Casey: I am a planner. I love knowing where I’m going, what I’m doing, and—if we’re being honest—where I’ll find the best tacos along the way. So, when an invitation came (last minute!) to join a friend on a weeklong tour and Connection Practice training in Costa Rica, my inner planner blinked in disbelief.

And then said, Wait. You’re doing what?

Here’s the twist: Not only am I going on this spontaneous adventure, but I’ll also be sharing the experience with four incredible women from Japan—none of whom I’ve met yet, and only one speaks English. Add the fact that we’ll all be in a country where Spanish is the dominant language (and none of us speaks it fluently), and, well... Bienvenidos a la zona fuera de mi comodidad.

Oh, and did I mention I’ll be traveling solo for 18 hours to get there? 🛫

And after Costa Rica? I’ll be traveling with my family for more adventures.

Stepping Into the Unknown (With a Little Help from Self-Compassion)

There was a time when I would’ve said no to an opportunity like this. Not because I didn’t want the adventure, but because my inner critic would’ve stopped me before I even packed my metaphorical bags.

• You don’t speak the language.
• What if you embarrass yourself?
• You’re not spontaneous enough for something like this.

Sound familiar?

But here’s the beauty of practicing self-compassion: it gives you the tools to quiet that inner critic just enough to say yesto the things that scare you—and yes to the possibilities waiting just beyond your comfort zone.

I’m learning to embody what the International Baccalaureate (IB) calls being a Risk-Taker: someone who’s willing to step into the unknown, explore new ideas, and embrace unfamiliar situations with courage and curiosity. Not recklessness—just the bravery to say, I might not have all the answers, and that’s okay.

How You Can Use Self-Compassion to Be Braver

Here’s how you can use self-compassion to quiet your inner critic and take bold steps beyond your comfort zone:

🐾 Pause and Breathe – Before your worries take over, take a slow, steady breath (or two). This simple pause creates space for clarity and calm.

🐾 Speak Kindly to Yourself – When fear bubbles up, try responding with compassion instead of judgment: “It’s okay to feel nervous. This means I’m trying something new, and that’s brave.”

🐾 Anchor in the Moment – Instead of getting stuck in “what ifs,” bring yourself back to what is. Focus on the present—whether it’s the excitement of trying something new, meeting someone different, or simply enjoying the moment.

🐾 Try the PQRS Tool – This month’s Compassionate Rebels content dives deep into my PQRS framework from the book—an actionable tool for shifting your mindset and staying grounded when life gets overwhelming.

🐾 Be Like Biz – For those who haven’t met my dog, Biscuit (or Biz for short), he’s my four-legged business partner who brings plenty of wisdom to the table—especially when it comes to letting go of worries.

He reacts when needed (usually at delivery trucks), but once the moment passes, he lets it go. 

Little Dog, Big Pillow

He takes his relaxation very seriously.

If you want to get to know him better, check out last month’s newsletter (available online) for his grand introduction.

Paws & Ponder with Biscuit

Here’s a question from Biz (okay, I helped him with the phrasing):

"What’s one risk you’ve been afraid to take because of your inner critic?

How might practicing self-compassion help you take that first step?"

Bonus points if you reflect on this while basking in some sunshine—Biz-approved. ☀️

What’s Brightening My March

March has a feeling of newness, fresh energy, and open possibilities, and this month, I’m soaking up that vibe with:

🎶 Song: Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield – If you need an anthem for embracing the unknown, this is it. "No one else can feel it for you, only you can let it in..." Pure main-character energy.

📖 Reading: The Journey by Mary Oliver – This poem is a love letter to trusting yourself and stepping into your own life. Short, powerful, and the kind of thing you might want to tuck into your pocket.

🍊 Sensory Experience: Citrus Essential Oil – Bright, energizing, and basically liquid sunshine in a bottle. It’s the perfect little boost for those days when I need an extra nudge toward optimism.

Now’s the Perfect Time to Join Compassionate Rebels

If you’re not already part of the Compassionate Rebels community, now’s your chance! Enrollment is open through March, and you can still join at $27/month—but don’t wait too long. The price will increase again soon, and locking in your membership now ensures you stay at the current rate.

Inside Compassionate Rebels, we’re all about:
✨ Embracing growth with compassion
✨ Challenging limiting beliefs
✨ Building meaningful connections with like-minded people

A recent member shared:
"Just one month in, and I’ve already shifted from feeling stuck to seeing possibilities again. It’s been such a supportive space to grow."

If that’s the kind of growth you’re ready for, come join us today.

Join Compassionate Rebels

Let’s Keep the Connection Going (Even While I’m Traveling!)

While I’ll be off exploring Costa Rica and traveling with my family afterward, my Wi-Fi access might be a little patchy. That’s why I encourage you to dive into the community space this month:

✨ Share your stories, thoughts, and reflections.
✨ Support and cheer on your fellow Compassionate Rebels.
✨ I’ll check in whenever I can, but this is your opportunity to build meaningful connections while I’m away.

Let’s keep the heart of this community alive—because growth happens when we show up for ourselves and each other. 💙

Heart Forward,
Casey (and Biz, of course!)

(Feel free to share this Newsletter and save & share this image with a friend who could use a little extra encouragement this month!)