Growth is the fundamental aspect of every human life. Growth cuts across every area of life be it physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It is a continuous process that shapes individual lives or society because growth reflects progress, change, and potential for something better. The process of a child growing into becoming a man or woman is growth, and making life decisions that either make or mar one's destiny is also growth. Growth requires time, effort, and resilience. Learning from past mistakes and experiences is confronting one's fear and becoming a better version of oneself.
I was a bit naive while growing up, should I say because I am the first child, or because of the training my parents gave me? Then, I believe I must be in everyone's good book. Inconvenience myself to put a smile on someone else's face. Go the extra mile so they can be my friend and like me. Sacrificing my time, resources, and energy to invest in unprofitable relationships unknown to me then. Cared so much about what people think or say about me. Acting foolishly to please others. Those were all the characteristics I had then. Even when it's being shown to my face that my sacrifices were not appreciated, I didn't give up because I believed being good would earn people's love, but that was all a charade.
After being shown the real sides of individuals, it changed my perspective about life and humans as a whole. Gone are the days I cried because I was not cherished where I should have been valued. Gone are the days I hold on to people like we're destined to live on this earth together, wanting them back even when all their plan all along was to take advantage and go. Crying bitterly and feeling I didn't do enough to keep them, blaming myself unnecessarily for relationships that didn't work out as expected. Feeling inferior and wallowing in low self-esteem, giving so many thoughts to bad things said to me.
All images are mine
At some point, I had a hearty discussion with myself, meditating on how far I have come. Saw reasons to discontinue being so cool with everything done to me. Then I knew I had outgrown some attitudes. It was then that I learn to love myself more, make myself happy, and prioritise myself over every other person. That growth wasn't sudden; it was a gradual process, and I'm glad my efforts paid off. I stopped being at the mercy of anyone, nor hold on to anyone that don't wish to be in my life. Careless about what people think or say about me. I now do things that make me happy and fulfilled without having to wait for anyone's permission to live happily. It was then that some see the new me as a proud and arrogant one who doesn't care what people say. My question and reply to them was, "Why should I care when I make myself happy?". As far as I'm concerned, my happiness comes first and will anyway and any time. Self-love worked hand in hand with growth and this is a quality anyone who desires growth should possess. Growth is a journey, it demands courage to change, humility to learn, and strength to persevere.
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