The last few years have required a tremendous amount of adaptation to new life changes in many ways. We are itchy, uncomfortable, stretched thin and exhausted. It is no wonder, many are looking at 2022 as the year of continued growth. We are hopeful for a post-pandemic future where we can safely engage, however there are many obstacles. Yet still, we hope for growth. As such, growth requires movement – expansion beyond the current state is essential, and often when this happens it is difficult – even painful.
When you are in a growth state – here are a few things to remember:
You may feel restless: Things that you are currently doing or are involved with may not satisfy you intellectually or stimulate you mentally. You start to look for more depth and meaning.
You ask a lot of questions – of the “who am I and what am I doing” kind: In alignment with feeling restless with your current state of being, you might begin to think about your goals, purpose, and life plans.
You cringe at what you may have thought or believed in the past: You recognize the limitations of some of your current or past thinking based on what you learn, your environment or even who you are around and want to expand your thinking to include or at least acknowledge other viewpoints.
Some people aren’t with you on this leg of the journey – growth may include expanding your community to encompass others who may not be a part of your past.
And finally, you gain an appreciation for who you are now. Emotional maturity is often a “side effect” of growth. Growth may have required sacrifice or involve grief and loss, but developing a greater, deeper sense of our feelings helps us gain wisdom and confidence.
In what ways will you challenge yourself to grow this year?
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