What makes you uncomfortable? The theme for TEDxABQ Women’s Event, 2016 states, “It’s About Time”. Time for what? We spend our time, talents, and treasures to pursue pleasure and ease discomfort. What if you tried something so strange, something that’s so counter-intuitive to who you are as you define yourself, that it makes you tremble, and sweat, and creates terror?! If you’ve experienced this, then you are on the right track! The idea of making time to be uncomfortable makes most people turn and run in the opposite direction…and that’s exactly what I did.
I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I had little direction or purpose and was unhappy with my sedentary lifestyle. It finally occurred to me that if I wanted “A”, I had to do “B”. If I didn’t do “B”, I wasn’t going to get “A”. It was that simple. So I forced myself up off the couch and started a Couch to 5K training program. From walking to running I progressed to my first race. What a rush! From this event, I went on to a half-marathon, full marathon, and a triathlon. Me – a pudgy, sludgy housewife!
Through the series of struggles to accomplish each of these goals I had to consider what life would look like if I didn’t push myself to try something new – something completely different from how I saw or described myself. Following through each new challenge was empowering!
Selected to speak at the TEDxABQ Women’s Event 2015, I shared my message of Embracing the Uncomfortable. This includes my story of oversleeping for the half-marathon, arriving 24 minutes late to the race, and starting the run by going in the wrong direction. Watch my TEDxABQ Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m64cjXifTRg to see what happened.
Embracing the uncomfortable is powerful. It leads to new adventures, successes, and failures – but always, fantastic stories! Each year TEDxABQ Women presents inspirational speakers sharing amazing, transformative ideas about real people and wonderful community initiatives. Join us October 28th. It’s About Time to embrace the uncomfortable and start a new adventure!