Leaving my comfort zone

31 July 2026

Yesterday, I saw the new Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey on a 70mm IMAX screen.

This is only the third film I’ve seen in a theater since the lockdown in 2020. That seems crazy, since prior to COVID, I was a big fan of going to the movies. (And I now live across the street from a movie theater!) But I became more comfortable watching films at home alone (or with my husband) since they’re now available online so quickly.

A friend reached out a week or two ago asking if my husband and I would like to go to see The Odyssey at a specific showing at a specific theater. My initial reaction was to say no. I don’t go to movies in theaters any more. I don’t like fantastical movies. I don’t like IMAX because in my past experience I had to tilt my head back uncomfortably. I figured I’d probably fall asleep since the movie’s running time is almost three hours.

But something told me to say yes to this invitation. I knew the movie was well-received and critics seemed to love it. I wanted to spend time with my friends. My husband was excited to go (though he would have been fine going without me). I decided to say yes.

For a week I dreaded it and wished I’d declined. When we got to the theater and paid $25.30 for 1 medium popcorn and 2 junior fountain drinks (on top of $36 for the tickets), I was aghast. We took our (excellent) reserved seats and then I endured four or five really loud previews for incredibly violent/horrific movies.

I started thinking about whether I could get the car keys from my husband and leave if I wasn’t enjoying the film.

Then the actual movie started and it was amazing. I was drawn in from the first scene and was never once even close to falling asleep. The 2 hours and 52 minutes passed by quickly. I am SO glad I saw it in the theater, on the giant IMAX screen.

As I left the theater I reflected on the lesson of this. How many great experiences am I missing out on by staying in my comfort zone? I love hanging out in my apartment and my neighborhood. I’m extremely happy and cozy in my comfort zone. But listening to my inner voice telling me to say yes to this turned out to be a very good idea.

I am going to remember The Odyssey every time I am on the fence about whether to do something out of the ordinary for me. Perhaps it will tip me into deciding to venture out more. I’m kind of excited to think what this new attitude my bring me!

Tagged with: comfort zone, self-care