Discomfort and Joy

The choices we make in life to move beyond a comfortable space and into the slightly uncomfortable bring opportunities to experience something delightful. 

This past week I met a person in passing. As we spoke briefly about our work and business philosophy, we touched on moving internationally. The person inquired on the impact to family, the person sacrifices, and the benefits. My feedback was to move out of the comfortable and try something, even for a short period of time, to learn more about yourself and the world. 

The decision to challenge yourself applies to everyday life. This morning, suffering from jet lag, I debated to stay inside a warm home and catch up on the latest social media posts or to pull on a pair of running shoes and head out into the cold. With the debate raging on for 45 minutes, I finally decided to roust myself from bed and head into the wee morning hours. Within the first ½ mile, I encountered two owls hooting. Calling to one another in a language that is beautiful and haunting. Around the 3rd mile, the waves of lake Bde Maka Ska rolled over a layer of ice around the shore creating a soothing melody. 

The uncertainty that the experience will generate a benefit creates an internal war between remaining where we are and taking one step closer to what is possible. It is only with courage and a heavy does of curiosity that we find the internal strength to take that step.