As you accept yourself and others better, you can begin to work on growth. You have a lot of new information that becomes available as you listen and learn more, and you can use it all to fuel inner and outer growth. Which soft skill can you sharpen some? What physical feature can you work on next? What new thing can you learn or read about today? When we look at the world around us, it is always expanding and constantly growing. We have a choice, unlike most else in nature, to not grow. Why would we exercise that choice, though? Fear. Comfort. Apathy. Regardless of the reasons, our choice is still there, so our growth is still possible. Perhaps that is purpose enough.
The purpose of life for [people] is growth, just as the purpose of life for trees and plants is growth.
-Wallace D. Wattles
Trees and plants grow in two directions. They establish strong roots while producing flowers and fruits. Are you firmly rooted in your values? Are you identifying ways to grow? What fruit have you been producing as of late? You can choose to germinate.
real growth is refraining from making assumptions
so you can focus on observing
getting more information
so that you can develop a well-rounded view
is always better than letting yourself
be dominated by an impulsive reaction
tame your ego to let yourself see more
-yung pueblo
The best way forward in your lane is not always clear. How and why we grow is not always known. I am learning that it is better to not ask so many questions. I sometimes lose focus of the moment due to trying to understand the why behind it. All things in their time. A path of growth will often be uncomfortable, but keeping it in mind can serve as reassurance when you start questioning some difference. Notice some of the slow and small victories along the way. Growth is very rarely an instant miracle. It is a daily effort of observing actions and reflecting on improvements. Growth can be a lifelong journey.
Growing into one’s personal power does not happen overnight. It is an evolutionary process.
-Cheryl A. Maloney
Grow or evolve into your best self. Slow down; appreciate moments and surroundings more. Feel into your body boldly, and reconnect with your senses. Notice extra details in what you see, feel, hear, smell, and taste. Growth can break us free of copy and paste.
The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
-W.B. Yeats
A beautiful aspect to consider here is that you do not need to plan out all of your personal development time for growth and self-improvement. At almost any point, you can identify something to work on for growth. Maybe a dirty spot to clean up in your environment this next week; maybe a better sleep schedule with the right amount of rest; maybe a quick stretch or two to loosen up a sore spot that has been in need of attention; maybe some more self-compassion to be more accepting and forgiving. You can grow in different ways, cultivating many offshoots. Remember your roots, then grow your fruits.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.