April 3, 2024
APRIL IS HERE! SPRING HAS SPRUNG! ALLERGIES ARE GOING HAYWIRE 🥰🌸 Happiest of Wednesday’s, my sweet friends. Shall we get into the quote?
“Some people can not handle the positive growth you are making because it requires them to leave the comfort zone they have had with you for so long. It requires them realizing that you are no longer who you used to be and they do not really have anything except past memories.” - Jennae Cecelia ✨
As I continue to get older, the harder this quote hits.
As we evolve and grow, we inevitably outgrow certain relationships, habits, and even versions of ourselves. And while this growth is often necessary for our personal development, it can also be unsettling for those around us.
Think about it: There are so many versions of us out there based on the past memories people have of us, some we know well and some were in your life for a brief moment but there is a memory (or many) attached. We all have friends, family members, or acquaintances who've known us for years, maybe even decades. They've become accustomed to a certain version of us – the person we used to be. But as we embark on our journey of self-discovery and improvement, we start shedding layers, breaking out of old patterns, and embracing new opportunities. And not everyone is equipped to handle that change.
Why? Because our growth challenges their perception of who we are. It forces them to confront the reality that we're no longer the same person they once knew. And for some, this can be uncomfortable, even threatening. They may resist our evolution because it requires them to confront their own stagnation or insecurities.
I know I’ve said this before, but our progress serves as a mirror, reflecting back their own shortcomings or missed opportunities. It forces them to reckon with the fact that while we're moving forward, they may be standing still. And rather than celebrating our achievements or supporting our growth, they may choose to cling to the past, to the memories that once defined our relationship.
But here's the thing – growth is non-negotiable. It's an essential part of the human experience, a testament to our resilience and capacity for change. And while it may be painful to outgrow certain relationships or leave behind familiar comforts, it's necessary for our continued evolution.
So what do we do when faced with resistance to our growth? First, we must stay true to ourselves and our journey. We cannot let the fear or discomfort of others dictate our path. Instead, we must surround ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us, who celebrate our growth rather than resent it.
Second, we must have empathy for those who struggle to accept our evolution. Change can be scary, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or relationships. By understanding where they're coming from, we can approach the situation with compassion and patience, while still prioritizing our own growth and well-being.
And finally, we must remember that our worth is not defined by the opinions or expectations of others. We are not obligated to remain stagnant or small to appease those who cannot handle our growth. Instead, we owe it to ourselves to keep striving, keep evolving, and keep becoming the best versions of ourselves.
In the end, while some may struggle to accept our growth, it's ultimately a reflection of their own journey, not ours. So let's continue to shine brightly, unapologetically embracing our growth and leaving behind those who cannot keep up. After all, life is too short to stay confined to the comfort zone of the past.
Trust your journey. Rest your soul. Always leave people better than you found them and have a phenomenal day and a sublime weekend ahead! 👽🫶🏻🧿