Growth.

We are all students of life just struggling our way through the class, with the goal of learning as much as possible. I hope to always be growing and learning, to be shaping and molding myself into the best Melissa I can be.

I think in some ways growth, although not always for the best, is inevitable for all humans. The really interesting thing about humans is that they are always changing whether it be by reinforcing the neural pathways already in the brain or challenging themselves to try a new behavior. The reality is that as humans we are always adding elements and shedding layers.

I recently have found myself in the midst of upheaval due to circumstances outside of my control. The past few months have really put my previously learned coping skills to the test. (Let’s just say that they have not served me as well as I would have liked.) Implementing strategies to help manage a work/life balance also means letting go of making work one of my main hobbies. Establishing self-sufficiency and independence means setting new boundaries and leaving my previous co-dependent patterns in the past.

I think that sometimes when you are growing in the right direction you need a moment to mourn the unhealthy habits that are being left behind. Those skills and strategies have gotten me through 28 years, they have been with me since I can remember, but at this point in my life they are no longer useful. If those patterns of behavior stick around they will only be hindering my growth.

So now here I am, at the funereal of my unhealthy past. This is my moment to mourn and then move on. Sometimes there is really beautiful growth that comes from saying goodbye.