GET COMFORTABLE WITH DISCOMFORT: A GUIDED VISUALIZATION

When was the last time you intentionally explored something unfamiliar or just a little uncomfortable?

In this special episode, I'm guiding you through a gentle yet powerful visualization designed to help you step beyond your comfort zone. If you feel stuck, uncertain, or fearful, this visualization is made for you.

⏲️The guided visualization starts at 01:28 and is just over 7 minutes long.

I follow this visualization with a thoughtful writing prompt at 08:32. Use it or write freely to deepen your experience and reflection. 

Remember—you are courageous, capable, and ready for beautiful surprises ahead. Enjoy this journey!

xo Karli

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I’d love to know your thoughts about this episode, so feel free to email me at karli@flipsideofmidlife.com or leave a comment. Your feedback means so much as I explore new ways to connect with you.

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Transcript

I have a question for you. When was the last time you intentionally explored something that felt unfamiliar or even a smidge uncomfortable?  

{MUSIC INTRO}

Hi there, my friend. It's me, Karli. I'm here with a short guided visualization to help you connect more deeply with the core message of my latest MIDLIFE MUSINGS email.

Please read and listen to get the most out of this unique and impactful pair. If you don't receive my MIDLIFE MUSINGS emails that come out on Sundays, you can sign up for them at the link in the show notes and transcript. I hope I see you there soon. 

If I were to guess the most common word I hear from the women in my community, I'd put money on that word being 'stuck'.

Most of us get to a place at least once in midlife and beyond when we notice we feel uninspired, overwhelmed, and depleted. We don't recognize who we are anymore and we don't know how to move through it. Stuck. It's the one perfect word to summarize all we feel when we are in that place. 

When you feel stuck, you can start to loosen that stickiness by purposefully stepping outside your comfort zone.

Whether you prefer to leap, walk, or tiptoe, you can get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The visualization I have for you today will help.

TIME MARKER 01:28 (Start of Visualization)

At the end of our time together, I encourage you to write. Whether it's a few words or a few pages, you will benefit by being able to revisit what comes to you today. Have your journal notebook or favorite app at the ready as you move into this visualization.

Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down.

Close your eyes or lower your gaze, whichever feels best for you.

Allow your body to settle into the surface beneath you and notice how you are supported in this moment. 

Take a deep cleansing breath in through your nose. Hold at the top and out through your mouth. Release any tension or stress, my friend. 

Take another deep breath, expanding your belly, and then your ribs hold at the top and exhale completely. Allow any stray thoughts to float away as you breathe. 

Take one more deep breath, then allow your breath to return to a normal pattern as you create space for curiosity.

Imagine you're standing at the edge of a lush forest, a beautiful place where you smell the rich humus and hear the breeze moving through the trees.

You have never ventured further than where you stand now, but ahead is an inviting path that gently winds into the trees. Look at it, and allow your curiosity to grow.

Now look over your shoulder to see behind you. This is familiar territory, a path you've traveled on many times. You love knowing the way, having the confidence you won't get lost, and understanding what is over the hill.

As you stand here in the middle of what you know and a beautiful unknown, you gently observe a subtle pull toward the forest. You can't help but wonder what lies beyond the bend in the path. The cool temperatures underneath the trees and the birdsong beckon you.

You're uncomfortable with the unknown, but you trust yourself to step onto the path. As you approach the first curve, you feel a twinge of doubt, and it makes you pause. Take a deep breath in and let it out.

Look back at the start of the path and allow your curiosity to grow again. You've come this far. You are safe. You decide to keep going.

As you walk around the curve in the path, you see a stream ahead. It is gently gurgling its way under a fallen tree. It's also the perfect place to sit and think about the discomfort and doubt you felt just minutes before.

As you sit, you notice tiny sparkling lights starting to gently float around you. You hold out your hand and one lands in your palm. It is so small, but still it warms your hand. Other tiny lights land on you and you feel their warmth spread throughout your body.

As the lights continue to float around you, you realize you feel more curious about the possibilities that exist in this place. You want to explore further and you can see how choosing to be uncomfortable sparks joy, promises growth, and leads to fulfillment.

In this place, affirm silently to yourself: 

I embrace the unknown. I trust my curiosity. Discomfort is my ally. I allow it to guide me to greater richness in life.

Let these words expand throughout your entire being. Allow them to ground you in the truth that you are courageous, capable, and comfortable outside of your comfort zone. 

A rich, vibrant life full of possibilities and beautiful surprises awaits you there.

Start to bring your awareness back to your breath.

Now back to the here and now.

Without opening your eyes, notice your physical surroundings.

Take another deep breath, wiggle your fingers and toes as you exhale, and gently blink open your eyes.

Welcome back, brave and beautiful adventurer. 

I invite you to take at least three more minutes to write. If you'd like to use it, here is a prompt for you: 

TIME MARKER 08:32 (Writing Prompt)

What is an area in your life where you're feeling stuck? How might your curiosity help you get uncomfortable and explore possibilities outside of your comfort zone?

As you practice getting comfortable with discomfort, notice how your confidence and contentment expand. 

Come back to this visualization anytime you want a gentle reminder of the beautiful possibilities that exist on the other side of where you feel comfortable. 

If you want more ways to shift your mindset, stretch your comfort zones, and connect with other women, I invite you to join ELEVATE, my membership for women and midlife and beyond. Each month we focus on a different topic that keeps you growing and learning and boosts your satisfaction with life. Click the link in the show notes and transcript to learn more and get your first month for only $10.

Thank you for sharing your time with me, my friend. I'll be back in two weeks with another guided visualization or meditation. In the meantime, catch my episodes of FLIPSIDE OF MIDLIFE® out every Wednesday. 

{MUSIC OUTRO}