You know what? I still have some genres or subjects that I won’t read, but it’s unlike the reader I was before, who was a cautious little rascal when it came to her choices. While it’s thrilling to say that I sometimes seek reads that are different from what I normally consume, that isn’t all there is to it. I still find reading stories that fall under my normal/typical list more ‘comforting.’ But yes, sometimes I look out for or consider stories outside of my comfort zone.

If you know me, you should know how much I love Tokyo Ghoul 東京喰種 「トーキョーグール」. Now, if this were the otaku me of before, I would probably have given it a pass because, honestly, it’s not what I normally read. But being a bibliophile has certainly opened many doors, and that is why I got to try it and gratefully found another favorite in it. So sometimes, taking a chance might give you a nice surprise!

Having spouted all that, I don’t think I’m completely open and ready to try everything! I mean, there are rare times when I want something different, but the part of me that is more comfortable with something that has been tried and tested (like other things in my life) still rules over curiosity. I think that’s okay; there’s a reason why it is called a ‘comfort zone.’ I—speaking for myself here—want more of that comfort than shock value! And yes, not every time I tried something did I end up liking it. Half of the time, I was shaking my head, telling myself, “Yeah, I didn’t like it like I was told.” (Sorry, self; you asked for comfort, and I didn’t provide it.)

But it’s alright to gamble. That’s why it’s a gamble; I’ll never know if I will like it or not, despite being out of my comfort zone. Also, honestly speaking, not even stories I thought were part of the ‘comfort zone’ were good reads. So I think with the same mindset, in the unusual occasion that I want something bold, brash, and exciting—something where comfort is not the main criterion—it’s alright to venture! Maybe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel; who knows?!

— Credits: The image banner used in this post is from makeupsavvy. Thank you very much!