Comfortably Agitated

Discomfort equals agitation. Once you are agitated, you have a decision to make, you relieve that agitation or you grit and bear it. We have all been in a situation where we recognize we need to move, but that itch or agitation is bearable enough to stay put. You can relate this to anything, dead-end job, bad relationship, etc. Often times, the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure or complacency keep us from relieving ourselves of bad situations.

It’s all about tolerance. If you can tolerate the agitation you current state is pressing upon you for whatever reason, you’re less likely to move out of it. For example, the turning point in a relationship that is on its way to ending. Certain things that didn’t bother you before bother you. Doubt sets in about whether this person is for you or not. However, this is overrun by the fear of being alone. You may be so intertwined with that person and their life that getting out will cause more discomfort. Maybe you just don’t want to start over again. Transition and change are always scary, but can be exciting. Sometimes it’s just your time to move on, whatever the situation may be. Discomfort is not always bad.

Comfort or complacency equals stagnation. We’ve all been there too. Things are comfortable in our lives. We are decent. Things can always be going better, but things are alright. We fall into the mediocre. Our job isn’t what we dreamed of, but at least we are working (some people don’t have jobs). Billy treats Sue like crap sometimes, belittles her on occasion, but he provides for her and plans to marry her in the next ten years. We often get caught in the daily grind, and our hopes and aspirations get lost in the shuffle. Complacency has the tendency to kill innovation, stifle creativity, and destroy progression. But, comfort is not always bad either.

I am convinced that living with a good balance of discomfort and comfort is key to living life to the fullest. Yes, I am making ends meet, and I am provided for, but I want more. Yes, I’m comfortable in this relationship, but has it become stagnate? Am I settling? I’m comfortable living in my hometown, but are there opportunities elsewhere that I should pursue. I don’t advocate creating discomfort in your life, but if it is the byproduct of a pursuit towards something greater, welcome and embrace it.