In the spring of 2004 my husband and I packed up our lives and our little family and moved from Burnaby to Kelowna.
The decision was one we didn't take lightly, but felt compelled to make if we ever wanted to get ahead. It was unlikely we'd ever be able to afford a home in Burnaby. My husband had a decent job, but it wasn't something he enjoyed and there was no opportunity for advancement. We had two young kids and our closest relatives were 45 minutes away. The thought of having more children and raising them in such a large, expensive city felt challenging to say the least.
But the idea of moving felt terrifying as well.
How on earth were we going to pack everything we owned into boxes? What if my husband didn't like working with his dad? How could we leave our family, friends and neighbours behind?
It's normal to feel comfortable with the way things are, even if they're not ideal. The pain of staying the same is often less intense in the short term than the pain of making change.
I know for many of my clients (and maybe for you?) the idea of giving up the instant gratification of a late night bowl of chips (or wine or chocolate) in service of their long-term goals feels hard.
But it's also hard to be stuck in the same place you were last year. Stressed out and frustrated. Carrying extra weight that your body doesn't need.
It took me at least two years to feel "at home" here in Kelowna, but when I reflect on the life I would have had, I'd make the leap all over again. Our family grew to include five children (plus a dog and cat), we have a giant yard for them to play in and relatives within walking distance. Was it easy? Nope. But that's ok, because I can do hard things.
And so can you.
So if it's a choice between being uncomfortable + moving ahead vs being uncomfortable + staying the same, I encourage you to embrace the discomfort that takes you to the life you want.