“Do you ever get uncomfortable?”
"Do you ever get uncomfortable?"
Candace Bellamy, the host of the Strong Women in Medicine podcast, asked me this during our interview for her podcast.
It was the second podcast interview I'd done in a week. It's striking how different the conversations turn out even when various podcast interviews are centered on the same core issues: prioritizing self-compassion and wellbeing as integral parts of changemaking.
The variety of questions and responses is part of what makes podcast interviews so enjoyable.
Still, I paused when she asked, "Do you ever get uncomfortable?"
How do I summarize the experience of discomfort which is so frequent, so common, and so necessary as a part of growth, progress, and change - especially when addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice?
Answers in a podcast interview need to be somewhat brief (something I can improve upon!) 🤣
The short answer is, "Of course!"
Of course I get uncomfortable. I feel nervous. I wonder how what I say will sound and whether it will come across as intended. I question when I will be criticized for doing the work I do as a very privileged, White woman. I notice the different reactions I receive when people hear or read about what I'm doing.
And, I remember that there is a purpose to what I'm doing that's much more important than my comfort.
(When the podcast episode is released, I'll share it with you so you can hear the rest of how I answered in the moment.)
The reality is, discomfort is inevitable. In fact, discomfort contributes to being in the optimal zone for learning and growth.
We live in a world of many modern comforts and conveniences that were science fiction 50 years ago, and yet we still have not learned how to work with our full range of emotions, discuss differences, or learn new skills without fear or tension.
Somehow, though, we collectively seem to have bought into a lie that discomfort is bad, avoidable, or detrimental.
Even Ai cannot alleviate this from your life, nor would that benefit you!
In reality, discomfort is normal and helpful...even more so when you know how to understand and accept it.
It is not the discomfort itself, but how you respond to it that makes the difference.
When you feel uncomfortable, what does it mean to you?
How do you tolerate the discomfort without bypassing the opportunity for growth or criticizing yourself for the feeling?
What purpose and meaning inspires you to face discomfort in your life, relationships, and changemaking efforts?
You may not be able to avoid discomfort, despite your best efforts! And, this is part of what helps you to grow, live wholeheartedly, and show up fully for the people and causes you care about.
My hope is that you can honor and appreciate the gifts that arrive via the discomfort, and see your strength and passion shining through the challenge!
You matter. You do make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
