When I think of the word “uncomfortable” my thoughts immediately turn to things that I dread, cause pain, or discomfort. I don’t enjoy things like speaking in front of crowds, being around a hostile person, cleaning up an eyesore in the basement, or going to the dentist. I’m sure you, like me, could come up with a lengthy list if given enough time. Conversely, things I really enjoy are the ones I take great comfort in. Spending time with a close friend, eating food I love, hugging my dogs, and sitting out in the fresh air reading a good book are great examples.

We spend the best years of our lives racing from one task or appointment to another, trying to finish a “to do” list that never ends. We turn off our emotions, chart a neutral course, and try to get as many things accomplished as we can in the short amount of time we are allotted. In the process we may push many uncomfortable tasks aside. Before we know it life becomes vanilla and we wonder why we’ve lost our zest for living.

One thing I have learned, being older but not necessarily wiser, is that once in a while I need to make time to tackle some of the uncomfortable tasks I’ve been putting off. Why? Because engaging in, and finishing, an uncomfortable task makes the things I enjoy taste a little sweeter, the hugs more memorable, and the colors of the world around me more vibrant.