Lack of discomfort yields discomfort

In this post I will address the issue of discomfort. I have a slightly unpopular opinion, as I find that absence of discomfort leads to more discomfort. And what a paradox this is! We do everything to find stability, comfort and an easy life for ourselves and our children. The goal is always less struggle. Less stress. Less uncertainty. Less pain. Less discomfort.

When we find ourselves in a situation that seems “impossible”, we figure out a way to make it possible. Muscles grow under tension, too. Our most memorable moments in life are mostly the ones where we overcame adversity or hardship or pain of some sort. That is a point where we have learned to persevere, push through, figure things out, have confidence.

It is the very moments of struggle and adversity that build character; moments of uncertainty that bring clarity and courage and help us build that much desired “easy life”. Easy life is only possible if the base is forged through struggles.

You too can transcend the times of trial. Do not despise these preparation moments, because they are the ones that truly enable the “easy life”.

I’ll end this post with one of my favorite quotes:

“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being,the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine, the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

Kahlil Gibran