Couch for Sale, Model for Hire.

A few weeks ago, my friend Krissy (of Krissy Sheehan Photography) and I were wondering about Philly as we normally do on a Saturday. We always find ourselves on random side streets, looking at beautiful homes, people watching and taking photos. It is a great way to explore and just chit-chat with your friends. While wandering aimlessly down Spruce Street, I spotted the best thing one can spot on a sunny, warm day: A couch for sale. Not just any couch, a beautiful white couch sitting outside a beautiful brick row home. What does one do when they spot said couch? Well, you could look at the “for sale” sign and keep walking, or you could look both ways, run across the street gracefully remove said sign and start a photo shoot right there in the middle of the street. Krissy and I modeled for each other, laughing and catching the looks of passerby’s who were curious about our shenanigans.

It is in the moments we take for granted that we learn things about ourselves. Never in a million years would I have done such a small act of rule breaking, well at least the old Courtney, the pre-Philly Courtney wouldn’t have done this. While sitting on that couch, laughing, I realized that I had let my guard down. I had stepped out of my comfort zone so many times, that I began to enjoy myself more. I made friends that I would have never met, I developed hobbies that I could not imagine myself doing a few years ago, and I had done things that made me happy.

No matter where you are, no matter what you do, I challenge you to step out of your box every now-and-again. I promise that you will not only enjoy yourself, but you will learn about yourself. I have more fun in those little moments where I am not saying “no thanks” and backing away with my tail between my legs, being fearful of what “could” happen. I mean seriously, what could happen? umm you have a moment of fun, you make memories. I am not saying go out and do something stupid that breaks real rules or harms others. I am saying go to that restaurant you have been lusting to go to, treat yourself to a movie (even if it is by yourself, actually, go by yourself to a movie!), go meet up with on an instagram meet, go to a get together with friends and meet someone new, try a new food, read a book outside your norm, do something outside your comfort zone. It will change your life.