The Good, Bad, and Everything In-Between
March 31, 2023
Author: Libby Zufi
Editor: Maddie Canter and Maureen Diehl
One lesson I’ve learned throughout my 18 years in life is that embracing discomfort is an enriching experience. My past record shows that I would do anything to steer clear of discomfort, no matter the severity of the situation; some would say I am a master at the art of avoidance. Despite this, I wholeheartedly believe that we must change how we view uncomfortable situations. My experiences have empowered me to become a stronger person and shaped the mindset that I have taken on.
1. Accepting the discomfort
Society has taught us to believe that rather than working through a problem, we should just do anything in our power to take the “quick fix.” While this may seem like the more accepted route, avoidance does not compensate for facing the reality of a situation. I haven’t always been open with my peers and willing to share stories from my struggles, but I have found that I can now have a wider array of conversations, including ones that are far out of my “comfort-zone.” I now choose to have uncomfortable conversations, which in turn, has allowed me to flourish and become closer to others.
The first step to changing your thoughts about a situation is how you view it. I used to avoid situations that may be unbearable because, like most people, who would willingly choose to be uncomfortable? Rather, I decide not to see conversations as complicated, but as important opportunities to connect with others.
2. “Sometimes we are limited more by attitude than by opportunity”
I believe that in order to connect with someone honestly, you should wear your heart, emotions, and intentions on your sleeve. My first uncomfortable conversation was when my doctor told me that I needed to be admitted to the hospital for an eating disorder. This was a complex topic for me to discuss since I hadn’t fully grasped and accepted it myself, and I was forced to talk to my parents and doctors about it. Feelings of embarrassment, guilt, shame, and hesitation swarmed my mind when addressing this sensitive topic. At first, I refused to open up about my emotions because I knew I would have to work through my thoughts and feelings. This “denial” was preventing me from healing, and it was when I began to have difficult conversations that I found connection and strength with others. The opportunity to talk about my true feelings was not one that I took willingly, yet I am so happy I did.
3. Moving on and learning from the experience
One reminder constantly circulating through my thoughts is that pain and discomfort are temporary. It is important to let go of bad thoughts and make the space to embrace new experiences that bring joy and light. I am thankful for the hardships I have experienced because they have only made me stronger and more secure in the true power that I have within myself. Discomfort is a hard concept to grasp, but my advice would be to take it with full force and embrace whatever it may bring.
Image: Julia Bonanno
