Are you happy? Or are you just comfortable? Do we often think about how happy we are? Maybe we're just sitting in our comfort zone, feeling cozy and safe? I found this question on the Internet, and it caused me a lot of thought. A comfort zone is a place where we feel comfortable and familiar. We can stay in it for a long time because we don't have to take risks, do something new or change our lives. Our psyche teaches us to protect ourselves from risks and dangers that may arise if we leave our comfort zone. As a result, we often choose comfort over happiness. But, in my opinion, these are not the same thing. The phrase “getting out of our comfort zone” means that we must choose happiness, even if it means taking risks and difficulties. Change can be scary and unfamiliar, but it can lead to our personal growth and happiness. Here are a few real-life examples that may help you better understand this idea: A person may work in a job he doesn’t like, without getting satisfaction from what he does. He may be undervalued and not receive proper motivation. But he stays in that job because it's familiar and safe. A man can stay in a relationship with a woman he doesn't love because it's stable and easy. A girl can stay in an abusive relationship because it's her comfort zone and she doesn't want to take risks. Another girl may refuse a relationship with a suitable partner because it is unknown and unusual for her. All these examples show how we can choose comfort over happiness. We may feel protected and safe in our comfort zone, but we cannot achieve happiness unless we are willing to take risks. Why do we do this? Our psyche simultaneously strives for development and to ensure stability and peace. The path to happiness often runs through work, risk and uncertainty. In order to follow this path, we need to have a lot of strength, courage and endurance. All changes, be it changes in relationships, work or life in general, involve risk and work. And here each of us must make our own choice: do we have enough strength and energy to choose happiness instead of comfort? And what will you choose??