The year of 'strategic discomfort'

Lucy Fell writes as she prepares to head to Canada!

2025 is the year of strategic discomfort.

For me, 2025 is the year of huge change. In April 2024, I made the decision to move to Canada by myself. I don’t know anyone there, nor have I ever been. However, I know that for my character to grow, I need to embrace the discomfort that might otherwise tempt me to stay where I am.

This decision began while I was working in a corporate job, as I had been for the past two years. I was feeling uninspired and uncertain about the direction I wanted my life to take. After only attending university for a year (before deciding it wasn’t for me), and with no other job experience, I felt stuck. But instead of continuing to sulk, I decided it was time to make a change.

One of my favourite teachings that my dad shared with me is ‘The Cave.’ If you spend your whole life in a secluded, dark cave that’s comfortable and known to you, you won’t want to come out. If you eventually step outside, the light from the sunlight will blind you, making you want to retreat back to your familiar abode. But, if you stick it out just a bit longer, your eyes will adjust, and you will see what a great world it is outside.

It would be so easy for me to stay at home with what I’m comfortable with, not having to meet new people, acclimatise to a new environment, or adventure out on my own. But, if I don’t do that, I will be forever in my cave, not knowing what great things are waiting for me outside. Staying where it’s safe might feel good in the short term, but I know I’ll never feel fulfilled if I don’t give myself the opportunity to grow.

This concept can be applied to any aspect of life, whether that be a new job, a new relationship, or any other big change. Growth is often uncomfortable, but it’s also a sign that I’m moving in the right direction. I’ve learned to see discomfort not as something to fear, but as a stepping stone to becoming a better version of myself.

Another way I like to think of it is if I were watching a movie. If the main character had no ups or downs, plot twists, differing emotions, changes to their life, or moments of trying something new, I would think of it as a pretty boring movie. Life, like a good movie, is meant to be dynamic. The challenges, risks, and moments of uncertainty are what make it interesting. Therefore, I don’t want my life to be a boring movie, and if I’m comfortable my whole life, I won’t have a story to tell.

And even if I end up regretting this decision, at least I can say I gave it a go, because that’s much braver than staying in the cave. I won’t lie, I’m very nervous. Moving to a new country, experiencing a different culture, and stepping into the unknown is terrifying. However, I’ll get to meet new people, try new foods, explore new places, and gain a perspective on life that I could never have if I stayed where I was. No matter what happens, I know this experience will shape me in many ways.

IF YOU KNOW ANYONE IN CANADA, PLEASE CONNECT ME!