Growth…uncomfortable (sometimes painful) but necessary.

Growth…uncomfortable (sometimes painful) but necessary.

Growth is uncomfortable because it pushes us to learn and try new things we have yet to experience before. Some think growth hurts the most but it is staying stagnant and resisting growth that causes the most pain.

Stop for a moment and imagine life without growth. Imagine a baby didn't grow from lying down to rolling over or crawling or walking. Bones stretching and growing…learning to use those muscles and body parts…may be uncomfortable but necessary for them in order to develop that strength to do it without even a second thought eventually.

Imagine their teeth not pushing through their gums and eventually falling out and being replaced by their adult teeth. Those teeth pushing through their gums or trying to eat with a baby tooth wiggling and hanging on by a thread…uncomfortable but necessary for them to properly digest foods to strengthen their bodies.

Imagine them not growing from cooing to babbling to talking…may be uncomfortable and likely frustrating when adults restrict and limit their words by not listening them or giving them the language the need having transitioned from only being able to express themselves using their bodies and emotions but, necessary in order to express themselves and communicate their needs.

Imagine them not growing through infancy, childhood and into adulthood. It can be uncomfortable experiencing body changes, developing relationships with those outside of our families, being expected to know what you want to do with the rest of you life by 18 but, the experiences are necessary in order to be able to navigate the world around them and learn more about who they are as an individual as well as to find their tribe who understands and supports their journey.

Growth doesn’t stop once we are “grown up” or become adults which interestingly enough, according to Wikipedia means, “is a human or other animal that has reached full growth.” It should continue in our professions, our parenting, our love relationships, our finances, and most importantly, ourselves. So the next time you feel uncomfortable just remember this, “There is no growth without change. You’ve got to let go of some old stuff. And that can hurt. Often when I’m in the most pain, I realize it’s coming from my trying to control everything. Or resisting the changes that come with the progress. But you see that light… that beautiful next level… and that’s what you have to focus on. – Ali Brown

With much gratitude,

Keisha James, M.Ed.

References

Martinez, D. N., & Clinical Psychologist & Adjunct Psychology Professor. (2023, March 26). Quotes about change and growth in life that will inspire you. Everyday Power. Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://everydaypower.com/quotes-on-change-growth/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, March 19). Adult. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult