The Discomfort of New
The Uncomfortable Truth About New Things (And Why That’s a Good Sign)
Starting something new can feel really uncomfortable. Part of you may feel excited, motivated, maybe even confident The other part of you might feel like, your stomach is in knots, your mind races, and if you’re making a huge mistake.
Whether it’s beginning therapy (or a therapy blog!), trying a new hobby, or setting boundaries with a family member, stepping into unfamiliar territory is often uncomfortable.
Why New Things Feel So Unsettling
Our brains are wired for safety and familiar often becomes ours “safe”, even if the familiar isn’t good for us, it’s predictable. This means that we do something new, our brain can interpret it as danger. That’s why you might notice:
Tightness in your chest or shoulders
A constant swirl of “what if” thoughts
A strong pull to go back to the old way of doing things
The flight, fight, or freeze response
For people who grew up in unpredictable or critical environments, this discomfort can feel extra big because it attaches to old wounds.
Discomfort Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong
Here’s the twist: that anxious, uneasy feeling when you start something new isn’t a red flag to stop — it’s a sign you’re stretching.
Think of it like muscle soreness after a workout: uncomfortable, but also a clue that you’re building something new. If we can accept the discomfort as part of the process, instead of a sign to stop, it becomes just another step to overcome.
3 Ways to Work With the Discomfort
Name it – Simply saying, “This is new, so of course it feels uncomfortable,” helps your brain make sense of the feeling.
Breathe through it – Slow, steady breathing tells your body that, while this is new, it’s not unsafe.
Remember your why – Keep the bigger picture in mind. Why did you choose this new path? What are you moving toward?
When It’s Time to Reach Out for Support
If trying something new leaves you feeling frozen, hopeless, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to push through alone. Sometimes, discomfort is tangled up with messages from our past that tell us we can’t handle change.
Therapy can help you untangle those old messages so you can step into new experiences with more confidence and less fear.
If you’re in the Washington, Colorado, or Texas and you’re ready to make a change — even if it feels uncomfortable right now — I’d be honored to walk alongside you. Contact me for a free phone consultation.
