Discomfort is a funny thing. It’s something that we often try to avoid yet it’s also something that’s an unwavering and universal experience throughout much of life. This season in my own life has been one marked by so much discomfort. When I first started to recognize this feeling rising up inside, it threw me for a loop. However, the more I leaned into it rather than away from it, the more I began to associate it with growth rather than an indicator I had made a giant mistake.
When you quit your job, move to a different province and decide to start a business with no business-owning experience, all in the same month, discomfort becomes a close companion.
In chatting about this with a friend, she commented that of course I’m feeling out of sorts and uncomfortable, I’m in a season that’s entirely new and entirely uncertain. It would be totally abnormal to not be feeling that way. Now I want to clarify that just because I’m feeling uncomfortable, does not mean that I’m feeling unsure about my decision. I feel so certain that I’m doing the right thing at the right time AND I also have never been in this place before and there is not necessarily a clear path forward. And THAT is a bit uncomfortable.
The more I reflected on discomfort, the more I began to see it as an indicator that I’m actually on the right track. When you think about growth of any kind – getting a degree, getting back in shape, learning a new skill, having a baby, whatever – there is always a period of time when it is new and when those skills are not necessarily coming naturally and it feels a bit awkward.
I think that discomfort is something we need to learn to lean into and not something that we should try to avoid at all costs.
A mantra that I have picked up during this season is that discomfort is a friend. It’s evidence that I’m growing, that I’m walking in courage and that I’m doing something that is important to me and also makes me feel a bit vulnerable.
If you find yourself in a place that feels a bit uncomfortable yet you know it’s right, let this be a reminder that discomfort is normal. That it’s actually a beautiful experience that means you might just be walking in your purpose and growing in new ways.
Sending you all the love.
