Waste Not Wednesday: The Discomfort of it All

It's unfortunate that when we feel a storm
we can roll ourselves over because we feel uncomfortable
-Massive Attack

My right eye is swollen, my face is breaking out like a teenager, my allergies are forcing their way into my face & my back hurts as if i have been sleeping on the floor. I am physically uncomfortable. I don't want to do anything. I don't want to be seen in public. All I want is to lay in bed with a hot towel on my eye, a gagillion cups of coffee, eat cereal and watch netflix.

And even though it sounds glorious and it technically IS an option and I could call in sick to work... I can't. Meaning, I WONT. Because there is no accomplishment in that. I am not in PAIN- I am merely uncomfortable. And while this is just a physical representation of discomfort, we all know it comes in many varieties. We've all been uncomfortable before. But there is a reason. It challenges us, forces us to learn & grow.

We all deal with discomfort differently. Some run & hide, some get defensive, some embrace it, and some CHASE it. At some point, I believe we all need to chase discomfort. To find the situation that is going to make us uneasy, feel awkward, get nervous & freak out- and then champion that situation. Make it ours.

We could all sit around with a hot towel on our faces and ignore the world forever- but where's the challenge? How will anyone benefit from that?

The world is made better by the people taking chances. The people willing to live in discomfort. The people chasing it, daily. The people finding comfort in the discomfort.

Really, this isn't about my swollen eye, millions of zits, snotty nose and sore back at all. But putting myself out there, and making myself vulnerable is just a start of how I am chasing discomfort today.

Be willing to be uncomfortable. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream.
-Peter McWilliams

you oughtta know