GROW

By Jennifer Eulberg, MA, LPC
Consider your immediate reaction to change. So often, we identify that we “don’t like” or “do well with” change. Upon reflection, probably not all change (graduations, marriage, promotions), but rather to unexpected changes. Digging a bit further, we might identify our dislike really comes from our fear of the unknown, that our experiences could become more difficult than we currently find them. Of course, change IS inevitable and the only way we grow.

In the past, I thought the ideas of “seeing challenges as opportunities” and adopting a “growth mindset” were for other people, but not for me. Those type of people were excited and/or comfortable about change. I certainly didn’t feel so comfortable to seek out new challenges. My challenges at the time seemed more than enough already. I had no drive for “growth” when I felt I was struggling.

Eventually, I have seen that I was limiting my creativity and experiences to what I saw others doing. My “growth mindset” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Where I am and where I’m going are unique to me as they are to you. Sometimes, growing means doing less, slowing down, learning to move outside of the current perspective into something different. We can grow just as much when we observe, listen, and think as we can when we do, perform, or provide. We can grow inside our comfort zones, not only out of them.

Balance is achievable in a variety of ways. Yes, decreasing the “negative” will work, but so will increasing the “positive”. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, consider applying yourself toward your strengths getting stronger not just to eliminate your “weaknesses”.  My own journey continues down the path of validating, accepting, and exploring what is already there rather than reaching for what’s not. If I’m being honest, I AM one of those “other people” now.
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I hope this might serve as inspiration for you to find YOUR way. 

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