As this year begins to come to a close, (at least in the North American system of accounting for time) I am noticing that I am challenging myself to operate outside my comfort zone to seek opportunities and experiences I either put off out of fear or never thought to have until now.
I am a very social person so the thought of going out to eat or to the movies has always involved the inclusion of friends. I guess that is the case for a lot of people because those are the two areas that I often hear “experts” say go at it alone to “get comfortable with your own company.”
Last week I was invited to the Make A Wish Foundations Event for the reopening of California Pizza Kitchen in Lenox Square Mall. I extended the Plus One to 3 different people: The-closest-thing-to-a-bestfriend; The-regular-hang-out-buddy and The-one-I-want-to-get-reaquainted-with.
All three couldn’t make it or had other plans that night. So, I went it alone.
It’s strange to feel the slight discomfort of being one for dinner. I think the hostess felt it too because she offered to seat me at the bar. I declined and chose a booth that was bigger than my Oneness needed but was more comfortable and less transient feeling. I didn’t come to drink, after all. I came to eat alone. I get that the hostess was probably giving me the company of other Ones, so I hold no malice towards her but to truly push outside the comfort zone of enjoying a grand reopening party alone, I needed to have the full eating alone experience where it was obvious and deliberate.
And I did. And at times it felt lonely. But I experiences my Oneness fully and occasional I took notes and pictures of my food like the true Blogger I am. This experience couldn’t have happened at a better time. Both my brother and our cousin share the November 16th date of birth. He celebrated for both of them as she recently passed away last month. Amid the balloons and complementary meal, I made a wish and celebrated both of them too.
What are you willing to push through and do?
Inga O,
Thought you should know.
Make A Wish Foundation Pre Launch at California Pizza Kitchen. Atlanta GA
Inga O: You Should Know 