DOING THE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH JOY

There are things I’m not crazy about doing. Making doctor’s appointments—especially for myself. Writing emails asking for help, a favor, or following up on a proposal I haven’t heard back from. Calling the bank to unlock the card they blocked for no apparent reason.

I won’t bore you with more, but I could fill a whole newsletter with the things I don’t enjoy doing.

And that’s exactly what I realized one day.

Where is the joy?

Life is full of these little discomforts, and avoiding them doesn’t make them go away.

So, I’ve been experimenting with a new approach I am calling,?doing the uncomfortable with joy.

After all, isn’t making that doctor’s appointment an act of self-care? What if following up on a proposal is about keeping a door open rather than bothering someone? What if calling the bank is just another opportunity to practice patience (and maybe brighten someone’s day on the other end of the line)?

You could say I’ve become more?stoic—at least when it comes to my to-do list.

It's a?simple shift, but it changes everything. I’m not saying I love these tasks now, but they feel lighter, easier. I admit they’re uncomfortable, but I don’t let that ruin my day.?I?smile more and procrastinate less.?I even feel a little victorious for tackling them. And sometimes, they lead to unexpected moments of connection or gratitude.

Like that time I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to go to a networking event. Determined to make it?fun rather than drudgery,?I went in with more curiosity and lightness. In the end I met two new people I am now deepening my friendship with—proving to myself that doing the uncomfortable with joy can lead to even more joy.

How about you? What’s something uncomfortable you can do with joy today?

With love,

Ayse

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