Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable | Blog Post: Sunday June 29th, 2014
You’ve probably heard the quote by Thomas Jefferson: “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done before.”
Well let’s just say, not all of us are comfortable with doing new things. Especially when it means taking a leap of faith into the unknown…
And you might think you’re good with change! But the truth is, we are creatures of habit. We like knowing what happens next. But life is full of uncertainty, it hands out lemons, and curve balls - and doesn’t come with instructions. Trust me, this is coming from someone who thought they welcomed change with open arms! But on night of March 20th, 2014 - life hit me with a few lemons.
At first I thought, when life gives you lemons, pour the tequila! But numbing the feelings of being uncomfortable only lasts so long, and let’s be honest, the after math of tequila is just another uncomfortable feeling. These lemons that almost knocked me out, were actually a blessing in disguise. What I needed wasn’t tequila - what I needed was to change!
This is where fear set in. When we don’t know, we become afraid. But the truth is, if we took the energy we spent mulling and stressing over the unknown, and we put it into something we are passionate about we could accomplish so much more! I decided that the only way to overcome my fears was to go through them.
For instance: I hate ordering food over the phone, especially for other people. But of course, my new job had me ordering food for clients over the phone! You think this is a simple thing, and it really is. Only for some weird reason, I don’t like doing it. But I did it. I think the first few times my voice cracked and I may have been sweating a little - I was so uncomfortable! But instead of stressing and worrying about it, I just did it (and I didn’t need the tequila either)!
So for the past three months, each and every day, I’ve been very uncomfortable. I’ve fought through fear after fear of every proportion, and even though I’ve been uncomfortable through all of this time - I actually feel amazing. I feel like I’ve achieved and accomplished so much in only 3 months! I’ve met so many incredible people, tired so many new things, I have completely stepped out of my comfort zone, and most importantly I have grown. I am still growing.
I am still being handed and thrown lemons, only now I know what to do with them! The next time you feel a wave of heavy emotions, or life just tosses you another lemon try this mindfulness technique: RAIN!
R Recognize what is happening A Allow life to just be as is I Investigate the inner experience, with kindness N Non-Attachment, or Non-Idenitfication
First things first! Recognize that you are uncomfortable! Sometimes we just ignore this feeling all together, or hide it deep down inside! Don’t do that! Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable, and Investigate why this is happening or where this emotion is coming from - be kind to yourself and others when investigating. Finally, Non-Attachment, let go of whatever is bothering you, or the struggle you feel like you’re facing - you can’t take anything personally.
Life is too short to live in fear. There is no time for “what if” and “I can’t” Just do it! Take the leap of faith! What’s the worse thing that could happen?
Change is the only constant, so roll with it! Grow! Live! Try new things, go new places, meet new people! Fight your fears!
~
Now I order food on the phone all the time - and I actually like it! Sometimes I have nice conversations with strangers, and sometimes I get free add ons because the people think I’m so friendly! Haha!
