It is a simple word that has so many different meanings to so many different people. The dictionary.com definition of comfort is: “a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint”. This could apply to so many situations. The people of a village in a third world country could become “comfortable” with the addition of clean drinking water. An elderly person in America could become “comfortable” with the addition of a new recliner with better lumbar support. When we talk about constraint, and the potential to be free from it, can we ever? I would go as far as to state that most of us will never truly be free from constraint, and those who find a way will be happiest. I want to travel the world, and experience as many cultures, religions, and traditions as possible. Unfortunately, at this time I cannot afford to do so. Do I then not meet the criteria as comfortable? Looking to other definitions of comfort, many cite a lack of hardship. Who defines hardship, and what are the parameters? Very confusing.

Where I was headed with all of this is to the idea that when comfort is achieved, most of us become complacent. This applies to so many things, and I want to be clear, not to all people but to a clear majority. When we attain something, we are less likely to campaign for that same thing for others. In a white-collar setting, if everyone is campaigning for a raise, and you get one, are you likely to continue petitioning the boss for your co-workers to receive the raise? What about healthcare? If you are petitioning your congressperson to pass a healthcare bill making it more affordable for you and your family, and it passes but makes it harder on other families, will you continue to petition for equality for them as well?

Hopefully, these examples lead you to the same conclusions I drew, that complacency comes with comfort. I guess what I want you to take away today is that it doesn’t have to. Awareness is key to preventing it from happening in your own life, and hopefully passing this message