Discussing certain topics, addressing troubling issues, doing a dreaded task: we all have them and all often require that we enter a zone of discomfort; that we voluntarily leave a place of at least perceived safety and security and venture forth into uncomfortable territory.
To a given extent we can delay, procrastinate, and even engage in denial for extended periods of time BUT that also means we frequently forgo growth opportunities or valuable learning experiences. Some things do go away and resolve themselves and at the same time “feelings buried alive never die”. It takes skill and EQ (self-awareness and other-awareness, the ability to read and understand others) to sense what will safely pass as “water under the bridge” and what needs to be dealt with upfront. Often simply “checking in” with others to clarify that they are ok with non-action goes a long way. When folks feel understood and acknowledged group dynamics tend to be much smoother.
Maturity and progress requires that we learn the value of becoming “comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Not that we seek out confrontation but that we embrace the wisdom of calmly, civilly “calling the game”, naming the “elephant in the room”, speaking the “unspoken”. Many times others are grateful that we have taken the initiative to break the ice and appreciate the opportunity to clear the air.
Closing Quotes:
“That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882
“Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” – Deborah Tannen
“The cave we fear to enter holds the treasure we seek.” – Joseph Campbell
As always, I share what I most want/need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
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