Embarking on the journey of Personal Growth is a courageous act, it is sparked by the curiosity to know more about ourselves, often when we have hit rock bottom or there abouts and those who choose to go on that road can only gain in wisdom and resilience.
Beyond acquiring knowledge from various sources and attempting to interpret it, ideally, we could internalize it. This represents a profound level of understanding, which is essential for truly comprehending what we have learned. Without this deep awareness, it remains mere knowledge, and achieving true understanding takes significantly longer.
In a workshop last night, we discussed cognitive distortions, limiting beliefs, and biases. The participants concurred that recognizing these aspects is beneficial for our growth, as they ultimately reflect areas for improvement. This awareness underscores the importance of teaching these concepts in schools, a practice that appears to be evolving.
The transitions we experience can be profoundly challenging, often characterized by solitude and darkness, yet they are essential. It is crucial to reflect on the decisions we made in our youth to facilitate the development of more mature strategies in adulthood. Those around us may struggle to comprehend our experiences, as many have yet to undergo such transitions themselves.
How essential is it to navigate these periods of vulnerability?
If we have already traversed these phases, how much patience do we extend to those who are just beginning their journey?
We are essentially leaving what we know to be ourselves for a more authentic version with out all of the behaviours and strategies built up over time, we are moving into the unknown which can be daunting, begining again as it were and this will take time. We are grieving our old self.
Here are five positive ways to navigate through a dark period in life:
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professional counselors who can provide emotional support and guidance. Sharing your feelings with others can help alleviate the burden and offer new perspectives.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This can include exercise, meditation, healthy eating, and getting adequate rest. Learning to sit with what you're feeling without resistance, allowing what is.
Set Small Goals: Break down your challenges into manageable tasks. Achieving small victories can boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment, helping you move forward step by step.
Engage in Creative Outlets: Express yourself through art, music, writing, or any creative activity that brings joy and allows you to process emotions constructively.
Focus on Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life. Reflecting on what you are thankful for can shift your mindset and provide hope during difficult times.
I have personally been through very dark periods in my life and some other transitions as there are more than we are aware of, every big transition throws us off track! All of the above helped me greatly, becoming aware of our dark side is fundamental, making positive change is a choice.
What are your views on this?
How did you manage yourself?
If you really want to get to grips of yourself in a safe, non judgmental place think about joining the Growth Hub where Sarah is present and mentoring along with self paced study and discussion, the best way to grow!
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