Good for you! I have come to learn that nothing in life is as hard as you think it is. I tell people constantly that if you aren't learning and trying new things constantly then you aren't growing, and if you aren't growing then you are dying ;)
I have recently moved to a new country where I don't speak the language or know anyone at all, so I have been outside my comfort zone the entire time and it has been the greatest experience of my life!
Great post!