When we think about personal growth and development, we typically associate it with ourselves as individuals, the choices and actions we independently make, what we want to pursue, and the things within ourselves that we want to work on. However, we sometimes get too absorbed in our own world when focusing on our own well-being that our good intentions can become selfishness.
According to Sharing My Light and Healing Energy: Journey to True Self, we need to remember that focusing on ourselves and making significant changes in our lives does not separate us from our environment. It is equally important to consider how the changes we make in our attitude, choices, and actions fit into the bigger picture of our lives with our loved ones. Including our relationships in our journey can open us and others to the opportunity of growing together and having a support system that can propel us towards where we want to be.
As the famous idiom goes, "no man is an island." What most people don't know is that the idiom continues with the line, "every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." This emphasizes that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, which we cannot easily separate ourselves from. Our personal growth and development is not only for our benefit but also, in a way, for the benefit of others. By sharing our journey, we can inspire others and help them grow.
Our loved ones can help us grow in different situations. We should remember that we can rely on others and learn from them, just as they can rely on and learn from us. Even if things are not perfect and we might feel torn between staying true to ourselves and our relationships, conflicts are a normal part of life. It does not always mean something bad; it may indicate that we have outgrown certain people or need some distance to grow individually.
Navigating relationships means accepting that conflicts happen but viewing them as positive learning experiences for personal and mutual growth. In the end, our journey toward our authentic self is not a solo mission. Choosing who accompanies us is vital, and building meaningful relationships helps us relate better to ourselves. Having the right people around us will help us connect with like-minded individuals, broaden our perspectives, and guide us toward the person we are meant to be.
Written by Divina Aloisa Tolentino