Hi, Page - nice and much needed post:)

Your comments generally mirror what I learned to reinforce as a therapist:  Challenge creates pain, which can result in learning, which promotes growth, but the choices on whether this happens or not are always up to the individual.

Some folks say that change which does not include some pain, or at minimum, discomfort, will not result in lasting transformation ... and I tend to agree with this.   Our society tends to sell a version of reality where we need not ever feel bad or be in pain, and this is reflected in the market for things which ease the challenges, make us feel good, and eliminate discomfort.   Not so good, in my opinion.

I know of people and organizations which chose to avoid pain and difficulty and, as a result, remain stuck where they are or sliding downward into further pain ... the exact thing they seek to avoid.

Your post also reminded me of a whole slew of things people should stop saying to those experiencing pain and difficulty.  Often superficially therapeutic or religious in nature, these statements try to soften the pain, rather than encouraging moving through it.   One quick example:  "God doesn't give us anything we can't handle" and similar.   The underlying message here is that anyone who cannot deal with whatever traumatic situation they face must not be a faithful enough person.   I personally think this phrase needs to go away.

Thanks for stimulating my somewhat lethargic mid-week brain:)

John