When you consider the notion of self-care, what do you imagine? A good book? Or a moment of peace after a long day?
Let me ask you this: Have you ever had to deal with something uncomfortable in your life? What do you see when you think about self-respect? Confidence? Pride? A feeling that you are worthy of not being moved?
Let me tell you a sobering fact that most people do not want to share with you:
Comfort zone provides you with self-care, while discomfort provides you with self-respect. While self-care is essential, self-respect defines who you are and how you behave.
Comfort:
The Nurturer of Self-Care We all need those moments of rest in which we take care of our minds and of our bodies. Comfort zones are where we find some semblance of normality in an otherwise chaotic world, where we can gain energy and look after our psychological health. Self-care can be viewed as the soft soil in a garden that fosters the roots and helps the plant to grow strongly.
Without self-care, one can easily get into a burnout state and thus have a negative impact on one’s mental and physical well-being as well as loss of motivation. However if one is in the comfort zone frequently and in large measure, one becomes complacent. Have you ever met a person who holds onto his or her comfort zone with such a passion that he or she becomes a victim of missed opportunities, avoided challenges, or lowered expectations? Have you ever been such a person?
Discomfort:
The Forge of Self-Respect Now, let’s discuss discomfort. It’s not warm or inviting. It’s awkward, painful, and sometimes even frightening. But discomfort, is the place for self-respect. Why? Because the feeling of accomplishing things you never thought possible is where self-respect originates from. It is created when one is rejected, criticized, or afraid but still continues. You were not created to be destroyed by discomfort; it is there to show you the strength you possess.
Here’s an example: Think about public speaking. This is one of the most frequent phobias, but those who stand up for their beliefs and speak on stage learn that not only do they become good at it but they also develop confidence. Why? They told themselves that they were not going to be ruled by fear. You build self-respect when you face your discomfort and come out of it with more strength, courage, and experience.
The Balancing Act:
Comfort and Discomfort There is a secret and it is not to avoid comfort at all or to foolishly seek discomfort. It is to find harmony. Comfort nourishes you; discomfort develops you. Both are necessary to form the person you are meant to be.
Here’s how to find that balance:
Comfort vs. Discomfort:
The files that define your life Comfort is a shelter. As much as it protects you it does not change you in any way. On the other hand, discomfort is a forge that defines and shapes one’s character. The fact is, we need both. Self-care is a blessing, but self-respect is something quite different, it is the power to keep going. The issue is not which one you require what you need is to find a way how to maintain both in your life and head towards the necessary change.
So, here’s the real challenge: What would your life look like if you faced your discomfort instead of running from it? Would you have the courage to get up and take that first step toward the new you?
