As children our growth is encouraged and nurtured by our parents, our siblings, our uncles and aunts, our cousins, our grandparents and whoever else is part of our childhood. There is sunshine, fresh air to breathe and food to eat. There are trees, birds, the sky, and other wonders of nature that encourage us to grow.
Curiosity is a great motivator for growth. “What is that?” we ask when we see something new and different. “Can I go there? Can I have that?” What turned you on as a child? Learning new things? Making friends? Riding a bike? Playing games? Going swimming? Playing sport, learning how to roller skate or to ride a skateboard?
As we grow up, we become more organized about doing what we want. We may choose a career to follow, a partner to share our life, to become a parent. We have free will to choose our path, but it may take us some time to know what we want. Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I want in my life?” or do you just go along with the flow and let things happen to you? Innately we do know what we want. It may be that we are doing something that someone else wanted us to do until eventually something inside us says it’s time to do something else.
Most people have natural talents which guide them to a path that uses that talent. It may be that they are artistic or have a beautiful singing voice or are good with their hands and love fixing things. For others their talent may not be obvious so they choose an occupation that will help them pay their bills. No matter what we do or why, this is our lifetime, our opportunity to grow, expand and express ourselves through our daily experience of life.
Remember that patience and love for life are natural ingredients to enable strong, secure growth no matter what path we take. It’s important to not lose sight of why we are here and the tremendous opportunity we have to grow and prosper in the right timing. Relax and enjoy each moment and know that everything is going to be alright. If we are not happy with the way things are in our life, then all we need do is be honest, admit it and make changes. There are no shortcuts to strong and lasting growth. All things take time to come to fruition and lasting progress is built step by step.
Whatever you choose, remember this saying: “Don’t go through life; grow through life.”
– Eric Butterworth
