That was spicy (and I liked it)!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 02:35PM 
I am a self-declared spice wimp.
And I'm ok with that. However, it doesn't stop me from trying spicy food. I recently had something that made my eyes water, my nose run and my mouth lose its ability to taste anything. It was uncomfortable. Why did I do it if I knew that's what was going to happen? Because honestly, I wanted to be a little uncomfortable so that I could ease out of my 'spice wimp' status.
My strategy: make it fun and easy. I had a glass of milk and some bread on hand (to take away the heat). I just ate a little, not a lot, so I could taste the food. I went with a friend who chuckled with me as I panted and drank my milk. The experience was fun. And I soon realized, not that uncomfortable.
I wonder, just how often do we do something that makes us uncomfortable, on purpose? And I don't mean dangerous stuff, but something, that when we have the choice, we'll do because it makes us just a little uncomfortable. What strategy do you use to help shift your mindset from scary to silly?
Here are a few other things that make people uncomfortable, and as we learn to master them, bring us whole new worlds in which to operate:
Public Speaking. Toaster Master's International was born around the idea of helping people become more comfortable with speaking.
Challenging Conversations. Fierce Inc, a local Seattle company helps people with candid communication.
Talking to your kids about sex. Birds & Bees & Kids, has programs that can help, and even Oprah has tried to help parents get more comfortable with this subject area.
Shoes. Well, there's one case where you really shouldn't be uncomfortable. If they hurt your feet they probably aren't doing you any favors, unless they are meant to mend your feet.
Talking to strangers at a party. Just think, we're all passionate about something and these people are really just strangers until we choose to move them into the 'potential friend' category. Finding something in common helps and the person who's hosting is always a good place to start (how do you know Jennifer?).
What's something uncomfortable you've done recently, that when you were done and through it, made you feel like you could do it again and maybe even better next time?
Here's to a bit of discomfort!
clarity, discomfort, learning, purpose 
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Reader Comments (3)
Great post! I danced at a neighbor's 70th Birthday party. It helped that the song was ABBA and there was a mix of young and old people. I haven't danced at a party/wedding since I was 12! And I can honestly say that it had nothing to do with how much I had to drink. I simply didn't care because I wanted to dance!
Susanne - good for you! Not only is dancing get exercise, it invites others to join in the fun! What awonderful to not only push your boundaries a bit, but also to celebrate the life of another (and their 70 years on the planet)! No need to wait till one gets old to wear purple!
Susanne - good for you! Not only is dancing great exercise, it invites others to join in the fun! What a wonderful way to not only push your boundaries a bit, but also to celebrate the life of another (and their 70 years on the planet)! No need to wait till one gets old to wear purple!