*Picture of an old oak tree in my yard with magnolia sprouting inside.*I've been thinking lately about what brings about growth in a person. Forced change in circumstances and traumatic events come to mind first as factors which cause us to become different. Even though both situations are negative in most cases, the results can be positive.
Example: Your spouse becomes somewhat disabled by illness or accident. This sad happening might force you to drop full time work for part time in order to be home and giving care to your loved one. In the process of all this radical change, you somehow eke out the time to begin freelancing while you're at home. And maybe this leads to a lucrative, fulfilling career change, or germinates an innate talent you weren't sure you had before. See what I mean?
The "forced" change in circumstance can come about through a job layoff, a relocation for work, care giving scenarios, a sudden inheritance of extra responsibilities, or a relationship which entails way more sacrifice than you ever expected. But just because the change suddenly fell on your head out of the blue doesn't mean it can't have positive fallout.
Most people experience growth through adversity some time in their lives. It's how you see it -- with what kind of perspective and expectations -- that makes all the difference in how things turn out.
Then there are the good things that bring growth, like unexpected connections made through networking, a sudden blossoming of a latent talent/ability, more leisure time to pursue dreams, a windfall into your gasping checking account, even a suggestion from someone on some new direction or dream you might find appealing.
However personal growth happens, I think if we see it with positive eyes, we'll be a lot more pleased with the result than if we had to be drug kicking, screaming and moaning all the way to our new destination.
Can you think of a time when a change came into your life? Did you accept it, deal with it, and make the best of things...or not?
However personal growth happens, I think if we see it with positive eyes, we'll be a lot more pleased with the result than if we had to be drug kicking, screaming and moaning all the way to our new destination.
Can you think of a time when a change came into your life? Did you accept it, deal with it, and make the best of things...or not?
*My morning shadow on the wall. What is the light shining through my chest? Could it be change/growth glowing within?*
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