I have observed that one of my (not infrequent) fallback forms of relaxation is to talk about how hard I work. I have observed the same in others. It feels that our preferred (and natural) state is moving more and more towards one of relaxation and comfort, and further away from the necessity of hard work. Though the discomfort from a spate of hard work is generally short-term, if one works hard every day, one is in a perpetual state of short-term discomfort; and most of us don't mind saying so. I might argue though, that the satisfaction resulting from daily hard work is of a much higher quality; and, the daily hard work gives me less time for the aforementioned verbal relaxation.

I might also argue though, that quality of life is more directly associated with comfort than with adversity.

So which is it? Am I working hard in pursuit of comfort? Or am I working hard in pursuit of a greater depth of understanding through adversity? The reality for me is that I must work hard to (on occasion) enjoy comfort. And I believe this to be perceived reality for most of us. (As an aid in understanding individual perception), if I measured output and determined that Individual A works harder than Individual B, I suspect that 'A' may see 'B' as languorous or lazy, but 'B' likely perceives their self as working hard for their comfort. And some may also see 'B' as working smarter, though I would not forget to factor in happenstance, (i.e. Luck), as well.

Here I go again---learning something...

As I think about it, I believe humankind has always worked hard to move toward comfort. To seek food, shelter, and warmth, IS our natural state. Just because it has been more difficult in some eras than in others, and just because it is more difficult for Individual A than for Individual B, and just because I seem to learn and grow more from adversity than from comfort, does not mean that I should seek pain, and it does not mean that I should encourage pain, and it does not mean that I should inflict pain, and it does not mean that I should be angry with one who experiences less pain.

Pain and adversity will find each one of us, to some degree, throughout a Life. Nonetheless, I should also not equate pain or adversity with hard work.

Pain and adversity create a necessity for hard work. But one may also work hard by choice, thus creating some discomfort and pain, which in turn creates a greater potential for learning and growth, and potentially lessens adversity.

I should equate hard work with learning and growth.

And I believe it to be this love of expansion, and the satisfaction inherent in the process of learning, that drives one to choose a perpetual state of short-term discomfort.

This week, someone said to me, "It is not work, if you love what you do." I believe on a deeper level, this sentiment can be translated to, "It is not work, if you love where it takes you."