Get Out!

The biggest challenge to being one of the long term unemployed is getting beyond the four walls of my room, even though school has been my full time task since 2009. The walls provide a sense of protection and comfort in a life of uncertainty and stress. In this case protection isn’t a good thing; Getting out becomes an important activity.

The first benefit of walking out the door is the impact on my physical condition. It is simply the effect of moving about instead of sitting in a chair watching a computer screen. When I worked for Emhart Teknologies every (Spring through Fall) morning was started with a half hour walk. My weight was no lower but energy and general stamina was better.

The internet makes for a great way to explore the theory of living. News articles and blogs are good ways to look out and view the world, but they’re limited. Social Media provides a shadow of human interaction that requires being present. Leaving the security of the four walls requires the possibility of meeting and interacting with unknown people with different ideas, expanding my personal boundaries and zone of comfort.