I didn’t realize how important discomfort would be during my journey from retired teacher to something else. I knew there would be challenges and change. But, I didn’t understand how essential it would be to accept feeling uncomfortable, and to realize that it’s a good thing.
The Familiar Is Comfortable
My automatic reaction to discomfort is to try to stop it. That seems like a no-brainer. Who wants to feel uncomfortable? But then I realize that everything that’s unfamiliar will feel strange to me and I can’t change without doing unfamiliar things. It’s a paradox. Discomfort will be part of my journey. If there is no unease, it’s a signal that I’m standing still, and not progressing.
“Few people actually enjoy the feeling of being uncomfortable. The challenge is to get past that initial feeling of wanting to return to the norm, so you can grow and benefit from that discomfort.”*
Unease Means Movement
I’m learning that accepting unease and making it a partner on my new path will help me to take the risks that I need to move forward.
“…if you can view discomfort as a sign of initial movement towards whatever you hope or desire to achieve, it can motivate you to act…”**
Discomfort means I’m moving: just like when I start a journey to a new city, and I’m sitting on the plane feeling unsettled about leaving the place I know, home.
Strength From Remembering I’ve Done This Before
Presently, I’m studying a new career in college, while trying to understand how to start an online business.*** Both goals are very new to me and fill me with hesitancy and unease. It’s a feeling I remember well from when I learned how to teach on Zoom during the pandemic.
It’s also a feeling that I had almost a year ago when I started this blog. In both cases, the feeling settled down eventually and I developed the skills that I needed to move forward.
By looking back at times when I was beginning a new skill and feeling uncertain, confused and lost, I’m starting to understand what new adventures will feel like in my body. To me, beginner’s mind and body feel wobbly and unsettled. And that’s OK.
What is something that you’re currently doing (or considering) that’s out of your comfort zone? Comment below.
***Note: This article was originally posted 2023/11/01. It includes some new edits.
One of the best feelings is overcoming that sense of uncomfortableness and trying something new. Best of luck to you as you spread your wings.
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