When we’re in our comfort zones, we can’t help but like it. However, most growth requires discomfort. Are you in an “UNcomfort” zone at present? If so, give yourself a pat on the back, or a nice high five.

There was a time in life that I had a healthy amount of discomfort talking to a small group. Add some adult trauma, mixed with PTSD, and it makes a great recipe for a serious (even debilitating) “uncomfort zone.” After a time of healing, I wanted to reach out to others needing support. So, I trained to became a facilitator, and thought I was ready. The first time I facilitated a group after my training, I completely froze! Fortunately, the environment I was in had a co-facilitator. She took over, and I sat deflated.

I left there afterwards feeling so mad at myself because I wanted so much to do it. I had to sit with myself for a bit, and then administered some self compassion. I reminded myself that it was a “first.” Not my first ever in life, but it was the first since the recent trauma and PTSD. I told myself there could never be another “first” like that again. I didn’t quit, and uncomfortably returned to co-facilitate the next group a few weeks later. That time I did not freeze. Growth came, and later I began facilitating on my own. All discomfort was not erased, but it was manageable. My desire to reach out to others who were hurting helped give me the courage to allow myself to be in an “uncomfort zone” and keep growing.

We all face “uncomfort zones” in life. I encourage you to not let the discomfort hold you back. It’s true, discomfort doesn’t feel good, but the reward of pushing through does!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist at Recovery Innovations. She writes as an expression of her heart in hopes of connecting to others’ hearts, so that no one feels alone on this journey-and instead feels valued, seen, and heard while growing in empowerment.