Moving somewhere you have never been, trying something new, talking about our feelings, it’s all an uneasy feeling when we experience these types of things. That uneasy feeling is this magical thing called discomfort. Yes, I said magical, but let me explain..
By definition, discomfort means mental or physical uneasiness (Merriam-Webster). But let me add to it really quick. Discomfort: the feeling of mental or physical uneasiness that is meant to help you grow to reach your higher self. Sounds a bit better doesn’t it?
I know we have felt this type of discomfort I’m talking about in some way or another. It’s a challenging type of discomfort one way outside your own comfort zone. It feels like there is a conflict going on inside yourself.
The feeling of this type of discomfort makes us all want to recede back to what makes us feel safe again, but I am telling you that is the opposite of what we are supposed to be doing when dealing with it. Discomfort is there for us to lean into and grow from it. Face the discomfort head on and sit in it and learn the lesson the universe is trying to teach you.
I feel like I have been the queen of looking at discomfort straight into the face. I made the decision to leave what I know in my home town in the chicago suburbs and move to an island 4,000 miles away with two girls I barely even knew. I cried every single day for the first 2 weeks. Took the bus 2 hours to work and moved apartments all by myself and cried some more. Really wanted to go back home, but then the universe gave me this earth angel. This girl that gave me great comfort and advice. And with the words she gave me I decided to stay and I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. Plus, that angel soon became my girlfriend. She is one of the main reason why I love Hawaii because when I’m around her she reminds me of the strength that I have. She has been the one who taught me most about being uncomfortable and how great beauty comes from it.
I sit here writing this, faced with yet another discomfort. Sometimes I feel like I can’t catch a break, but this is my path I am able to handle great discomfort. I get the sense that my job is no longer serving me. A job that I have had ever since I was 18. A place that has seen me at my best and at my worst. It’s all I know and I feel as if it’s not in alignment with me anymore. It used to be a place where it was all about people, making connections, having fun, all while being a supportive environment where there was no reason to feel like your feelings or needs aren’t being met. But here I am feeling the opposite where when I talk about how I am feeling or the concern for my own safety it feels brushed upon and not heard. A place where numbers matter more than people. The amount of sales matter more than how the entire team feels as a collective . A place where it’s now I have been told “that is what it is going to be like now.”
Discomfort is there for us to lean into and grow from it. Face the discomfort head on and sit in it and learn the lesson the universe is trying to teach you.
Reggie DeFilippo
I was about to go into an interview for the position that is above me, which was something that I always wanted, but hours before the interview something inside of me was telling me to withdraw and so I did. I realized I didn’t want to be a leader in that type of environment. I value love and connection and especially the growth of others, which is why I created this blog. To create a safe space for myself and to encourage others to do the same.
Now I’m about to dive a little deeper into my thoughts and what I am facing about this. My first thought, first instinct, something that I have been thinking about for weeks is that maybe I should just stay home for good when I go home this month. Because the thought of returning to a job that is no longer in alignment with me sounds awful. I want to recede back to my mom and dad feeling held under their roof. But, I am 22 years old and can’t just go home whenever I feel like it. I am an adult and these types of things are going to happen day in and day out. Plus, I have someone I truly love to think about. Our relationship started while we were apart and the thought of doing that again for even longer makes my heart hurt.
So, this is where leaning into the discomfort takes the reins. It’s here for a reason. I can control where I work to some extent. I can drop down my hours and work somewhere else. Creating the last bit of time I have left on the island as more of a vacation than “real life.” A time where I spend most of it with my girlfriend before we head to California. Who knows I’m not sure after all no one has it figured out.
So, the next time you’re faced with discomfort I ask you to lean into, to run full force into that son of a bitch and own it. The discomfort is there to guide and support you to become your higher self.
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