Coming out of Hiding
To grow is to face discomfort. Pushing past our previous limits isn’t easy but it is the only path towards positive change. Our bodies require the discomfort of building strength and endurance in order to feel our best. Our relationships require the discomfort of vulnerability or hard conversations in order to build closeness. Our minds require the discomfort of facing our fears or sitting with difficult emotions in order to cope in a healthy way. Discomfort is the doorway to our inner power. It is through it that we access joy, peace and fulfillment. Without it, we stagnate.
Facing discomfort isn’t always easy. Sometimes we feel motivated to exercise or complete a task or to stretch at work. Sometimes we just want to hide. Resistance often feels like inner conflict. Part of us wants to do the hard thing, part of us wants to avoid it. Working through resistance requires grit and discipline. But we can only access our inner power through self-awareness and compassion. Self-awareness allows us to check in with our wise inner self. This part of us knows what we need in each moment, rest or courage. In order to choose courage and do the hard things that will help us grow, we need to be gentle and get curious with the part of us that is resisting.
Very often resistance is based in fear. Fear of the discomfort or fear of not being good enough. When we hide from that fear it only increases our sense of powerlessness. Every time we hide we teach ourselves that we need to stay small in order to stay safe. Every time we face our fears we teach ourselves that we are bigger than they are. Choosing to face discomfort is one of the most empowering things we can do. It is how we build self-trust. This doesn’t mean that rest isn’t important. Feeling overwhelmed only contributes to feeling small and out of control. But manageable stretches teach us that we are strong. They teach us that we do not need to hide.
Are you ready to learn more about what therapy could be for you?
Therapy is a very personal journey and you deserve to feel seen and supported by your therapist. Please reach out if you would like to explore working together.