How Comfortable Are You With Being Uncomfortable?
Embracing the desert and the uncomfortable.
Get Ready To Embrace The Uncomfortable
Shannon’s October update
This past weekend, we were down in the desert, and as all good camping trips go, the conversation started to get interesting around the campfire. I love meeting new people, hearing their perspectives, and learning about everyone’s unique life journey, all while staring into those mesmerizing flames and hot coals. Sitting out in nature, life just seems a bit clearer.
Our conversation mostly revolved around doing hard things. We discussed why we do hard things, what makes doing hard things easier for some and not for others, and how fear and danger play a part. We also delved into how people bounce back after failure and how they persevere. There was a real "Aha" moment for me when someone said, "To do REALLY hard things and not give up, you have to spend A LOT of time being uncomfortable. Most of us don't spend nearly enough time in the uncomfortable." While this concept isn't new to me, and I've explained it to others differently, THIS explanation was crystal clear.
For many, we dip our toes into discomfort, but seek a return to comfort as quickly as possible. Think about it: when we or our children feel even 10 seconds of boredom, our tablet and phone screens provide instant relief. After an epic failure, we swiftly move forward and try to forget about it. When a job is slightly out of our comfort zone, how easily do we give up and seek an easy fix or pass the task on to someone else? It's during these moments of discomfort, we should pause.
Maybe this pause turns into sitting and waiting, being, listening, and feeling what it's actually like to "embrace discomfort”. It's in these moments that we can truly uncover who we are and what we're made of. We may realize that this "uncomfortable moment" isn't quite so uncomfortable after all. This realization can provide the clarity needed to shift in our lives more in the direction of what we truly want. So, regard discomfort, be it frustration, anger, or sadness, as a valuable gift - one that reveals profound self-insight and untapped possibilities.
Some questions to ask yourself when you're in discomfort:
What are the steps that led me to this moment?
What am I experiencing right now? What do I see with my eyes, smell, taste, hear, and feel? What's happening inside my body? What is the voice inside my head saying to me?
What specifically do I want right now?
What do I have control over right now?
Is it worth the effort to work through this feeling of discomfort?
Maybe you're going through something extremely difficult right now, and it feels like you are "in the uncomfortable”. Trust yourself, lean in, go through the human experience of emotions. Know that emotions aren't inherently bad or good, they're just internal signals that help us identify what's important. FEEL this moment, just be yourself, and don't judge yourself.
-Shannon :)
Looking forward to the winter…
Some of you might be uncomfortable skiing, learning new techniques, or taking your skiing to the next level. Well, I'm here to let you know that I can help you get comfortable on your skis. Whether you want to improve or acquire new skills like tree skiing, powder skiing, mogul skiing, or simply increasing your speed, I'm your girl. My days for Deer Valley this winter are filling up fast, so if you're interested, reach out, and we'll make it happen!
You’ve seen my signature pink hair. It’s a reflection of the passion I bring to every occasion. Click HERE to ski with me or book a winter event!
New Podcast alert!
Recently I was honored to join one of my Olympic heroes, Laura Wilkinson on her Podcast! In our conversation, I share details of my life journey, and we explore things like purpose, resilience, and the power of mental training in sports. I think you’ll love this one! Click here to tune in.
