Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone:

Marcia reflects on being live on the V2 Radio.

This past week, I found myself on V2 Radio, taking part in their Battle of the Businesses quiz. It’s a daily competition between two businesses, with the winner receiving a pizza voucher. While the quiz itself worried me, speaking about the work we do at My Sisters' House Women's Centre made me even more anxious.

Marcia and April live on V2 Radio

Each day, I joined the quiz from one of our offices, with team members gathered around me to take part in the quiz. I made it clear from the start that talking about our work was the most nerve-wracking part for me. Many of those present are the true experts when it comes to domestic abuse, its devastating impact on women and children, the holistic support MSH provides, and the tireless work we do to raise awareness and challenge the abuse of women and girls.

Thankfully, the host, Neale, was incredibly supportive and helped me through the daunting task of sharing a 3-minute blurb about the charity and our work in the local community.

Over the years, I’ve developed a mantra of acknowledge that something is outside of your comfort zone—and that’s okay.

“We all need to take risks or do things that make us uncomfortable. It’s important to celebrate those challenges and remind yourself that growth comes from discomfort.”

For the women who come through the doors of My Sisters' House, the stakes are much higher. Many stay in relationships that aren't right for various reasons—often out of fear of what they might lose if they leave. The risk they take in stepping away from a damaging relationship is immense, and they deserve all the support we can give as they rebuild their lives.

Recently, I watched a documentary on Netflix called Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa. I expected it to focus on her passion for climbing Mount Everest, but it was so much more. It was about her ten successful climbs of Everest while raising two daughters and surviving an abusive marriage. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest mountains we climb are not physical but emotional and mental—and they take tremendous courage to conquer.

In both big and small ways, stepping outside of our comfort zones is necessary for personal growth and change. Whether it's speaking on the radio or leaving an abusive relationship, it’s the courage to take that first step that matters most.

Marcia x