I tend to like all things comforting: soft beds, yummy food, fuzzy pets, warm socks, clean kitchens, and enjoyable fiction I can put down at any moment if it gets too intense. I shy away from all things uncomfortable: conflict and exercise being at the top of the list. A nice long walk with Wado dog is comforting. A three mile run is not. The thing about comfort is—it only lasts so long. Eventually a challenge will come up. And that’s how I grow and become a better person. Tackling a mountain will involve learning and strengthening aspects of myself that need to be faced and examined in order for me to transform into the best Jennie I can be. Instead of sitting in comfort until the ordeals find me, I should strive toward continual growth—which means marching up the mountain and saying to the universe, “Bring It!” But how easy is it to sit back and enjoy the status quo? I want to be the person to stand up for injustice even though it’s unpleasant. I can start by making hard decisions, and having those tricky conversations, and going back to hot yoga. Maybe I should be wary of comfort—because in it I’ve hit the pause button. Can I change into someone who enjoys rollercoasters and willingly signs up to complete a triathlon? Maybe I need to be more involved in the community, getting a chance to stand up for what is right and fair. I remember in my 20’s being so quick to take up the cause of everyone struggling to voice an inequality. I didn’t seek out comfort as I do now—I zipped through my karma at a surprising rate, altering myself as needed. There are countless things I don’t want to revive about that period in my life, but I would like to have back that ability to walk away from comfort and strive toward a passion. As I ponder all of this, I’m just going to slip on a pair of cozy socks and pour myself a glass of wine. 
Love this post! I thought too of my yoga teacher who says when we rest for just a moment, “Gather your energy!” before she tells us to do the next hard thing. Maybe we just need a few moments in between those mountain climbing expeditions to rest with the understanding that we’re going to have to get moving again any moment!
Yes I’ve had plenty of time to gather my energy… now it’s time to get some work done
For me? It’s all about the toe socks.
Maybe I should try them–I hear you either love ‘em or hate ‘em.
Hehe, I can totally relate to your feelings.
Now, I realize you’re talking figuratively about the mountain, but a few years ago I (literally) hiked straight up to the peak of a local mountain – something I was terrified to do. I almost turned back at the 1/4 way mark, then the 1/2 way mark, I cried, I stopped dozens of times along the way, and I swore up and down I would never leave my comfort zone again. But with a little support from a buddy and some major quieting of the mind, I made it to the top and the feeling was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
I don’t think you can change into a person who enjoys roller coasters though. I for one am terrified of them and have just accepted it!
Also, those cozy socks and glass of wine sounds amazing.
It sounds very cliche but I think it’s all about balance. You can scale your mountains and celebrate with a drink.
Happy New Year!
Wow! Sounds like quite a climb! I would love the feeling of reaching the top–it’s just the work to get there that trips me up.
Hmmm, I can relate. I did so many things, both good and bad, in my 20s that I would never do now that I’m in my 30s – comfort does become much more important. But I also find that I am able to say no much more easily – which is good. I’m able to prioritize what is really important to me and focus on those things. That being said, I think you are correct, sometimes it IS good to get out of the comfort zone (but no way am I giving up my fuzzy slippers!).
Oh that’s what I need! Fuzzy slippers!
Don’t be afraid of the comfort, relish it
Roll in it
become one with it
then when bad stuff happens, you are -in- the comfort zone and able to handle it
That’s certainly a grand idea!
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