Perhaps the longer you live, the more you see patterns emerging in your life. Initially, a situation causes you to struggle or feel completely stuck. Your mind races with ruminating thoughts or you develop what is often dubbed a ‘monkey mind’. Constantly replaying a mind movie with no satisfactory solutions to your problems. You feel a sense of helplessness and overwhelm. It all feels mentally and physically draining.
Over time, it becomes obvious that the inertia of the problem is too painful and you move forward into action. Personal growth happens in a variety of ways. You learn to relate anew to both your problem and to those around you. You seek out relevant information that leads to new perspectives. You build the confidence to relate differently, seeing yourself in a new light. During the process keep saying to yourself – ‘I am worthy, I am capable’.
‘The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance.’
Alan Watts.
Slowly you evolve as a person, often without consciously being aware of the changes within. The ‘mirror’ to your growth is your changed behaviour, more likely noticed by others. Its only when you revisit the initial issues, coming full circle, that you notice the difference in yourself.
Often after a period of growth you find yourself in replay mode of the initial problem. Thrust into eerily similar situations that first brought the stroke of the circle into being. Yet this time you are less reactive – calmer and collected. Thankfully now armed with strategies to respond in a different way.
As the circle of growth closes, nothing exterior may have changed. The only difference could be what emerges within you. Yet there is also the possibility that your own personal growth may have caused others to respond by reassessing their own actions and life perspectives. You may provide the trigger for them to go on their own journey of discovery and personal growth.
Others may not like the new, more confident version of you. They see it as a threat to the status quo they were accustomed to. Preferring the ‘older model’ they may retreat out of your life. It is sad, but your newly evolved self needs new interactions and new ways of being.
‘When people show you their true colours don’t get mad, paint beautiful mural life lessons, and keep marching forward.’
Focus on yourself and embrace everything you have learnt.
Keep refining, growing, and learning how to navigate your life.
Keep an open mind to new opportunities that emerge and different people who will be attracted to your more assured self.
Embrace each new life chapter as it begins.
Remind yourself that life is ever changing. If you feel you are currently struggling, reach out to others and become inquisitive about finding solutions. It is often a painful place to be at the beginning of a circle of growth, yet the rewards of moving forward, with renewed perspectives and understanding, is worth the effort of the journey.