You’ve probably heard the term “growing pains”. Most often, it’s related to physical pain as children grow. But we all experience growing pains. And we experience them throughout life whether we like it or not. You’ve likely heard the saying, “pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.”
Our attitude toward anything can ultimately determine the outcome of it. Our attitude about growing is usually positive, but, it’s the process that we’re not fond of. How do we grow without pain? Growing involves listening, learning, applying, and it often takes action on our part. Action can lead to change, and change is where the work of growing comes in.
Plain and simple, many of us don’t like change whether it’s a new job, a new house, a new church or a new state. Change is intimidating because we feel confident with what is familiar to us. And we lose confidence when we’re faced with a new set of circumstances. But if we’re going to grow, improve and succeed, we need to embrace it because growing means changing.
Our children face change when they move from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school. They experience more growing pains when they move on to college and the “adulting” process continues into a full-time job. And so it goes on and on. We encourage them with words like, “We did it, and you can too.” “You’ll make new friends.” “You’ll see, it’ll be great.” It’s easier said than done, but the process of growth involves change whether we like it or not. Whether we’re ready for it or not. And whether we think we can handle it or not. But somehow, we always do.
We can experience change without growing, but we cannot grow without changing. Meaningful change has to come from within. For example, we can change our physical looks by losing weight, cutting our hair or buying a new wardrobe. But that doesn’t mean that we’re developing our character.
As another example, we can change our environment but resist the growth that comes with it. We can pack boxes, send change of address cards, get in the truck, and move to a new home without ever really saying goodbye to the old one. In other words, our body can be in Georgia while our mind and heart are still in Indiana, leaving us open to resentment. We could miss out on exciting new experiences and opportunities that would shape us into a better version of ourselves.
It’s up to us whether we allow the changes we make to grow us into a more mature, wise, and wonderful person. Or whether we allow change to make us bitter and resentful, resisting personal growth opportunities. We can only experience abundant growth when we’re open to mental and emotional change (a.k.a. growing pains).
Change is a valuable part of growing, and growing is a sign of life and health. If you find yourself facing a change of some kind, face it with courage, a positive attitude, and a growth mindset.
Care you will love.
First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!
