Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable..."
Coach Rohrer - Hononegah Cross Country
Through many torturous runs, dreaded conversations, or even big leaps of faith, this phrase that my high school cross country coach repeated daily has taught me so much about myself. Because of these words, I have grown from a shy little freshman girl into a more confident, faithful, and bold individual who doesn't let the fear of the uncomfortable stand in her way.
When I first heard Coach say these words, I was completely confused. How can you be comfortable with being uncomfortable? That's not even possible! I soon found out what he meant, and still, each day since, I have found a deeper meaning within those words. I know that the purpose behind him sharing that phrase with us was to motivate the team through some pretty tough workouts and races and to get through it together. But, as I continue on in life, I find that these words apply to so much more than just running.
The core of this phrase for me has always been physical pain. How could it not, since the first time I heard it was when I was joining a cross country team... Running is PAINFUL, as I'm sure all of you know, but thankfully, I became more comfortable with the discomfort I felt when running. So, since I was now "so comfortable" with running, what else could I apply this to? Well, lucky for me, joining the Army and going to basic training wasn't super comfortable for me right away. It challenged me in ways I would’ve never dreamed of, and the level of discomfort I felt wasn't just physical pain. I was uncomfortable with all of it in the beginning. The harsh language, the terrible boots leaving huge blisters, and the constant expectation to not be my quiet, reserved self. I grew so much in that discomfort. I challenged myself to push through the negativity and to stand firm in who I was and how I treated people. I wouldn't give in to saying harsh words to those I was expected to lead. I wouldn't give in to the painful misery of a ruck march and no sleep or showers for days. The number of times I was uncomfortable just pushed me to keep going. I kept repeating each step, "Am I uncomfortable yet?" No… I can push a little harder, and I can do a little more. I can defend my battle buddy who is getting picked on, and I can kindly lead my squad without using the usual harsh language that is hardly effective at all.
As I started to share this simple phrase with my battle buddies at basic, it united us just as it did with my cross country team. There is something about building a bond with someone over the mutual pain and discomfort you feel and pushing each other through it. This phrase allowed me to start pushing through the negativity and bring in a little more positivity. This phrase allowed me to stand firm in who I am and my identity as a daughter of Christ who doesn’t need to surrender to others or please those around me. This phrase continues to challenge me and teach me what it truly means to grow. If anything, I have learned that there is comfort in discomfort. That comfort is faith. Faith, regardless of what you face in life, is crucial. With it, you will always be able to face discomfort and discover the person who God created you to be.
