The Gift of Discomfort

I was talking with a friend tonight about careers and parenting, life and purpose. We got into some pretty deep stuff and got on the subject of being uncomfortable. We both agreed discomfort is a gift.

It’s a gift because it brings freedom. You are already uncomfortable so you have less to lose by risking and venturing into the unknown. You aren’t trapped in a comfort zone or stuck in a rut. Discomfort is liberating.

It’s a gift because it keeps you moving. It’s easy to slow down or stop – to get complacent and comfortable – when nothing is prodding you along. Discomfort presses you forward.

It’s a gift because the truly precious elements of your life taste even sweeter amidst a backdrop of discomfort. Sweetness loses is flavor if bitterness is never experienced.

It’s a gift because it requires you to dig deeper within your soul and count the cost of your ambitions and dreams. It forces you search for greater meaning and purpose in your actions, testing them with fire.

Embrace discomfort. Seek it out. Harness its power. Be courageous enough to receive the gift.

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