Got discomfort?
It’s turning into Fall and the cozy feelings are starting to make us want to slow down and get comfortable. But what if that’s not what is best for us? What if we need to start practicing being okay with discomfort? A book I recently read might challenge us in ways we never even thought.
If you’ve been wanting a new book recommendation, here’s one to carry you through the rest of the month—
The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter.
There are countless takeaways from this read, but the one that made me rethink everything I knew was purposely creating discomfort in daily life to build strength and resilience. I thought just having a big family would do that (just kidding!)
It doesn’t have to be extreme or only physical, though. Carrying my baby in a sling could count as my own “mom version” of rucking.
It could also look like trying a 16:8 fast. Or taking a cold shower. (That’s going to be my hard thing this month—because honestly, I’ve never, ever done that before.)
Even that feeling of being slightly hungry can actually be a benefit. Research shows it helps reduce brain fog and regulate insulin levels.
And then there’s the uncomfortable reality of how often we rely on technology. Did you know the average person checks their phone 96 times a day? No wonder we feel restless and distracted without it.
What would happen if we went screen-free for a day? Or even just for a few hours if our jobs don’t allow more?
I once heard the saying, “We were more free when the phone was tied to the cord instead of to our pocket.”
That truth stings a little, doesn’t it? At least for me I know it’s true…
And the benefit of becoming bored without the constant scroll—actually makes us more creative. Studies have found creativity increases by nearly 40% when our brains are left to wander. So maybe it’s not that we aren’t creative…it’s that we don’t allow ourselves the silence to get there.
Bring in that Good Book…and His Scripture reminds us that growth rarely feels good in the moment. Maybe Mr. Easter really was on to something?
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it,”
Hebrews 12:11
What’s one small change you could try this week to invite discomfort into your life? It may not feel cozy, but it just might grow you in ways comfort never could. Maybe we will fall into a better place this autumn after all.
Always,
Rach
Rachel Redlin is a columnist, author, journalist, and award-winning radio host. She lives in Northwest Kansas with her husband and five children, where she writes about faith, food, and the simple everyday life. Want to read more or contact us? You can subscribe to the FREE newsletter at www.simplybloominggrace.com
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