Seek Discomfort

Just say yes.

Who would have known such a simple change in my everyday decision making would change my life forever. Well, maybe you did, but let me tell you... it really is that easy.

Now, I'm not saying you should agree to spend all your savings on a round-trip to somewhere you've never been before. I'm also not saying you shouldn't.

We spend so much time in our life between the same four walls, day in and day out—at home, at work, at school, or the city limits. We sit in front of our screens and watch other people do the things we’ve always wanted to do. Then we feel sorry for ourselves because they’re living our dreams, and we’re here, stuck. The reality is that there is nothing stopping us from being that person we’ve always wanted to be, and living the life we thought we could never live—except our own doubts and insecurities. Yes, I know, we’ve heard it a thousand times.

Maybe you’re afraid to go too far from your loved ones, or you’ve already settled down with a family or house. Maybe you’re just thinking, “I can’t afford that.” No matter what situation you’ve found yourself in, I’ll tell you now: You’re not stuck there. The reason we go through hard times is to come out on the other side. That’s why we say we’re going through it.

Now, I’m not making this post just to tell you everything is going to be okay and that you can do anything. I don’t decide that for you; only you do. How you choose to receive and respond to what anyone else has to say is how you choose to let it affect you. I hope you choose to be inspired and motivated the same way I have been.

Start off small. Say yes to both the little and big things. Say yes to helping an elder across the street, even if it's "old fashioned." Say yes to waving to someone new on your way to work, to waking up at 6 AM one morning just to see the sunrise, to splashing in the rain puddles after a stormy day, to baking cookies for your coworkers, or to whatever your heart desires.

If you want to start big, then start big! Say yes to booking that bus trip across Europe for a week with a group of strangers. After all, strangers are just friends you haven't met yet. Say yes to a spontaneous road trip with friends from high school, to getting your GED or going back for your high school diploma, or maybe just redecorating that one cluttered and ugly room in your apartment/house.

When you have the urge to do something you wouldn’t normally do, do it. Aiming high is better than aiming low. Tell yourself yes instead of no.

“The process of finding happiness within yourself is long and slow, but it can’t be found anywhere else.” Once you find it, don’t stop there. This is the theory of yes.

Take the "yes theory" and apply it to your own life. Remember the title of this post? "Seek Discomfort." Whatever you do, do it outside your comfort zone. It’s not until then that we will know what it truly feels like to live.

I have so much to share with you. This is only the beginning. My goal is to inspire and instigate others to feel the same way. Saying yes and seeking discomfort is not just a challenge, it's a lifestyle. I can’t wait to share my journeys with you and hear about your own. If you’re inspired by this, then I encourage you to contact me on Twitter, or by email, and visit the Yes Theory YouTube channel linked below.

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." ~ Neale Donald Walsch

Disclaimer: Seek Discomfort and Yes Theory mentions inspired by Yes Theory.

Twitter: @shiningsolo

Email: [email protected]