Out of My Comfort Zone, Into My Confidence

Last month, I attended a PKU Conference in San Diego, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in a long time. Surrounded by people who understood the challenges and realities of living with PKU, I found myself in a space that was both unfamiliar and surprisingly welcoming. The conference brought together a diverse group — from parents of newly diagnosed children to seasoned professionals and advocates — all connected by a shared desire to learn and support one another. What started as a step outside my comfort zone became a powerful opportunity to connect, share, and grow.

As an introvert, I’ve never been entirely comfortable speaking about myself in group settings — especially with people I’ve just met. But during the conference, I had multiple conversations where I was invited to share my story as an adult living with PKU. Whether I was talking to a young parent just starting their journey or a company executive working on the next generation of at-home monitoring tools, I found myself opening up in ways I didn’t expect.

At first, it felt awkward — I stumbled through my words and worried about whether I was saying the “right” thing. But with each conversation, I felt a little more grounded. I realized that my lived experience had value. People weren’t just listening out of politeness — they were genuinely interested. And more than that, they were grateful. That feeling was new for me — to take something that had often made me feel different or even isolated, and see it become a source of connection, support, and empowerment.

By the end of the conference, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: confident. I was reminded that vulnerability, even when it feels uncomfortable, is often the doorway to meaningful connection. Sharing my story helped others, but it also helped me rediscover a part of myself — someone who is resilient, knowledgeable, and capable of making an impact simply by being honest about where I’ve been.

I’m learning that self-discovery often happens in the in-between moments — not just when we’re alone journaling or reflecting, but also when we choose to show up, speak up, and lean into opportunities that stretch us. This conference was a turning point. It reminded me that stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about becoming more of who you already are.

Think of a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone — big or small.

• What did you learn about yourself in that moment?

• Did it shift how you see yourself or what you're capable of?

• Is there a part of your story that could help someone else, if you were brave enough to share it?