Uncomfortable

My word for 2025 is uncomfortable. The last few months has been filled with me doing things that are

uncomfortable.For example, I joined a women's climbing training group. We gather on Tuesday mornings to train with a coach for two hours. I love this class, the ladies, and the challenge. However, I am consistently and regularly uncomfortable. I climb routes that push my limits. I take big falls and close my eyes as I let go of the wall. On the drive to class, I often feel a hint of dread, yet after class, I am glowing. Feeling uncomfortable is common on Tuesdays.

I invite you to Embrace the Uncomfortable

We live in a world that prioritizes comfort. From convenient food delivery to sedentary lifestyles, we are constantly seeking ways to avoid discomfort. But what if discomfort isn’t something to run from? What if, instead, it’s a sign that we’re on the right path to better health and overall well-being?

The Power of Discomfort in Wellness

Discomfort often signals transformation. Whether it’s the soreness after a workout, the challenge of breaking unhealthy habits, or the mental resistance to meditation, these sensations mean we are stepping outside of what is easy and familiar. True growth doesn’t happen in the realm of comfort; it happens when we challenge our bodies and minds, when we face uncertainty, and when we persist despite obstacles.

Why We Avoid Being Uncomfortable

Our brains are wired to seek ease. Historically, discomfort often signaled danger, so avoiding it was a survival mechanism. But in today’s world, discomfort in the form of exercise, dietary changes, and mental discipline often represents an opportunity rather than a threat. The fear of struggle, failure, or inconvenience keeps many people stuck in unhealthy patterns, never realizing their full potential.

The Benefits of Leaning Into Discomfort

1. Stronger Body and Mind – The more you expose yourself to physical and mental discomfort, the more resilient you become.

2. Expanded Comfort Zone – What was once challenging becomes routine. Every time you push through discomfort, you expand your capacity for handling new challenges.

3. Greater Overall Well-Being – True authenticity often lies on the other side of discomfort. Whether it’s developing a new fitness routine, practicing mindfulness, learning a language, taking a class or making healthier food choices, discomfort is often the gateway to long-term well-being.

   
   

How to Embrace Discomfort for Better Health

• Reframe the Narrative – Instead of seeing discomfort as something negative, view it as a sign that your body and mind are adapting and growing. Failure is a step towards alignment.

• Start Small – Challenge yourself in manageable ways, like incorporating more whole foods into your diet, learning French, or committing to a daily walk.

• Practice Mindfulness – Sit with the discomfort rather than reacting to it. Observe it, acknowledge it, and remind yourself that it is temporary. Spend a week trying to be proactive verse reactive.

• Celebrate Progress – Acknowledge your wins, no matter how small. Every step outside of your comfort zone is a step toward greater wellness.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Discomfort isn’t the enemy—it’s the foundation for emotional, physical and spiritual maturity. By embracing it instead of avoiding it, we unlock our potential, strengthen our resilience, and create a life filled with vitality and growth. The next time you feel uncomfortable in your journey, lean in. Your future self will thank you.

schedule now

Katie Dittmann is a licensed acupuncturist in Boulder, Colorado. She loves sharing her passion for natural approaches to health and wellness through her online articles and at her clinic, Katie Dittmann Acupuncture, at 3080 Valmont Rd. Call for an appointment at 720-470-3908.