Have you ever jumped into a cold pool in 95-degree weather? It almost hurts, right? It's so uncomfortable!! Can you remember riding a roller coaster for the first time? How did it feel? Was your heart pounding out of your chest? How about the second and third time around? Your heart rate went down, right? That's right, the feeling of discomfort often totally disappears and it becomes enjoyable!!
WE HABITUATE TO THINGS WE EXPOSE OURSELVES TO OVER TIME. The more we face discomfort the more we increase our tolerance to the uncomfortable situation, thus "Habituation". After a while we don't notice the discomfort.
THE PROBLEM: NOT JUMPING IN THE POOL
Fear robs us of sleep, physical and mental health, fun, job promotions, adventures, relationships, reaching our greatest potential. Often people stay in abusive situations due to fear of leaving and the unknown. Until we are willing to "Habituate" and "Jump into the Discomfort", until we are willing to "Become Comfortable being Uncomfortable", fear will continue to hijack our lives.
THE ANSWER: JUMP IN THE POOL OF DISCOMFORT
Habituate, expose yourself to whatever is holding you hostage, the more you expose yourself to uncomfortable situations, your distress tolerance will increase. This is EXPOSURE THERAPY and it works!!
Be sure the risks are empowering, healthy, wise and good for you, then Jump in and Go!!
If you need help habituating to uncomfortable situations, please call The Center for Courageous Living at 815-707-4806; we are happy to help.
Blessings