How to Deal with Challenge and Discomfort in Times of Transition

Last year in May, I had the opportunity to attend Wanderlust Festival in Seattle. It was a during a time of major transition in my life, and this one day empowered me to explore new ways of thinking and gave me a new perspective on the value of community.⁠

I remember the amazing Chelsey Korus leading us through a yoga class that brought tears to my eyes. Her message and movements were rooted in grounding. In challenging poses (this lady loves her core work!), she’d say,

“Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Be here, be present in the challenge. And realize you won’t be here forever.”⁠

She finished the class by having us put our hands together in a diamond shape (when you put your index fingers together and thumbs together), put our hands up to the sky, and look through the diamond. I remember standing there, tears streaming down my face, as a weight lifted off of me. ⁠

Fast forward to today. I’m listening to one of my favourite episodes of the Don’t Keep Your Day Job podcast, which I’ve listened to about 12 times because it’s SO incredibly useful. In this episode (on how to teach what you love), host Cathy Heller tells the story of going to a mindfulness class where the teacher encourages everyone to close their eyes and just notice where their thoughts go. She recognizes how challenging this exercise can be, and she offers this beautiful mantra:

“Things are as they are, and I can be with them just as they are.”⁠

Wherever you are right now, remember that you are stronger than you know. Remember that discomfort won’t break you and that everything is your teacher. Ask yourself:

01. What is this teaching me?

02. What lesson can I learn from this?

03. How can this refine me or bring me closer myself and what I want?

Your life is not about convenience; it’s about connection. It’s about exploring and evolving, learning and growing, becoming and unbecoming. Part of this process is challenging and extremely uncomfortable. In those times, that’s just how things are.

And you can be with them just as they are.