Growth cannot always be measured in inches. It’s a journey of self-evolution.
It’s a more evolved and complex process. It quietly works its way through and you can only view its results, if you’re open to it.
Growth is empowering, yet it involves a loss that causes you some grief. Loss of your former self which has been your identity all these years.
Growth and Its Duality
Growth is progress, not just a linear movement but an evolution of self. It’s the process of leaving behind your past self.
Letting go doesn’t mean breaking free or severing ties. It involves you understanding the changes that are needed and letting go of your old views, habits, beliefs, and maybe even your identity.
It’s painful and you may grieve the loss of leaving behind your past self. But it’s part of growing up.
It’s a sacrifice needed from you to become a part of the present and future.
You cannot hope to make progress if you remain in the same spot, can you?
I mean, look at yourself over the years. Haven’t you seen the changes in you from the first day at work when you, in all your naivety, were all fired up, wanting to take on the world and do amazing things?
Your values, beliefs, ideas, have all undergone transformation. You still believe in them but have a different perspective.
That’s growth, my friend.
Turning Grief into Strength
Be proud of the growth you’ve experienced. Do not be embarrassed or hard on your former self.
Acknowledging the past without shame saves you from self-judgement.
You were what you were because of your experiences, your situation in life at that time.
Growth is the result of the changing landscape of your life.
Honour, rather than reject, your former self. It was a significant part of your learning process.
Reflecting on past experiences can be challenging but it’ll give you a chance to be compassionate instead of being judgemental, a chance to have a more healthier outlook on growth.
Until you give it a thought, you won’t even notice the transformation. The small and gradual changes have brought about sustainable and impactful improvements in your life. And that’s why they will last longer.
Embracing the New Self with an Open Heart
Try maintaining a record or journal of your progress. Honestly, I don’t. But I’m tracking my progress through my writing. The earliest stories were kindergarten stuff, so bland and uninspiring. Yet they’re my markers; I often revisit them to see the progress since then.
Instead of feeling ashamed or embarrassed by the work I did earlier, I accept them as part of my learning curve.
One of the biggest mistake all adults make is the inability to accept and learn from their former self.
The transformation from a rookie to your current self is a continuity. You didn’t suddenly appear in this space with all your experience and knowledge. You evolved from your former self. It was your resilience and determination to keep moving that got you here.
Think about the changes in you – any habit that you’ve let go or adopted, your views – are they the same when in college or have they changed? Acknowledge the changes so you can grow effortlessly.
The best and most productive way of accepting the growth is by integrating your new self with elements from your former self, by embracing your evolved self, by accepting growth as a part of life.
In Summary
Growth is the essence of life. It’s painful and requires loss of your earlier self. It also involves transformation.
Celebrate the process of growth by accepting the changes, releasing old beliefs, views, behaviours, and even parts of your identity.
Learn and nurture the strength and resilience that comes from growth.
And most importantly, honour your old self, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of it.
It’s like wanting to rewrite the history books. Not worth the effort.
Instead proudly be the new you. Embrace the growth and transformation.
Grow. Change. Live.