Through discomfort, I discovered resilience and experienced true transformation.

2 months ago

It good Friday and here's my reflections:

I learned that growth doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from being stretched, challenged, and even shaken up sometimes.

There is a lesson life keeps teaching me over and over again, no matter how many times I try to avoid it, real growth does not happen when you are comfortable. It does not come when everything is smooth, predictable, and easy. It comes when you are stretched beyond your limits, challenged in ways you did not prepare for, and even shaken up a little or a lot.

Honestly, that truth hit me hard. I used to believe that if I planned everything perfectly, stayed in control, and avoided unnecessary discomfort, I will succeed and be okay. I thought that as long as I stayed in my safe zone mentally, emotionally, and physically I will find peace, happiness, and maybe even growth. But I’ve come to realize that staying comfortable can keep you stuck. It’s like sitting in lukewarm water not cold enough to jolt you awake, not warm enough to soothe you just… still. And while stillness has its moments, too much of it breeds stagnation.

The most defining seasons of my life is the ones that truly changed me weren’t the easiest ones. They were the moments when I felt overwhelmed, unsure, even a little lost. The moments when I questioned everything and had to face parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. It was during those times I found strength I didn’t know I had, patience I never thought I could practice, and clarity that only came after the storm had passed.

Being stretched doesn’t feel good in the moment. Whether it’s being given more responsibility than you’re used to, stepping into unfamiliar roles, or going through tough emotional seasons, it’s uncomfortable. It forces you to dig deep, to ask hard questions, and to let go of things you’ve held onto for too long. But when you come out on the other side, you’re not the same. You’re stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

The same goes for being challenged. Challenges push you to think differently, act differently, and adapt. They make you realize that what you once thought was your limit was actually just a checkpoint. Whether it’s a tough course, a demanding job, a personal loss, or even a difficult conversation, challenges reveal who you are and who you can become.

And then there is being shaken up. That one is tough. No one enjoys it. It could be a failure that blindsides you, a relationship that ends, a dream that doesn’t work out. These are the moments that throw you off balance and make you question your foundation. But sometimes, it’s the shake-up that helps you rebuild. It forces you to let go of what isn’t serving you anymore and create space for something new.

I have learned to stop fearing discomfort and start seeing it as a sign that something important is happening. Growth may not always look pretty it’s often messy, painful, and full of uncertainty but it’s always worth it. If you're feeling stretched, challenged, or shaken up right now, maybe that’s not a bad thing. Maybe you’re right in the middle of becoming the person you’re meant to be.

So now, when life gets uncomfortable, I try to pause and remind myself: this is part of the process. Growth is happening here. I don’t have to have it all figured out. I just have to keep showing up even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.