Summary

The article discusses the personal journey of self-discovery and growth, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, unlearning societal expectations, and embracing change to truly grow into oneself.

Abstract

The author reflects on a significant life transition, characterized by a willingness to dive into the unknown and rearrange their life's landscape. This involves a radical shift, such as moving to another country and starting anew, despite the high odds of failure. The narrative touches on the dichotomy of how individuals approach life as they age, either settling down or continuing to seek thrills, and the realization that life rarely aligns with youthful expectations. The process of growing up is depicted as an ongoing journey of unlearning and shedding outdated ideas to make room for new experiences and personal truths. The article underscores the transformative power of love and self-relationship as catalysts for growth, drawing inspiration from Rumi's poetry to illustrate the idea that it is through falling that one is given wings to fly.

Opinions

The author views the act of taking a "colossal swan dive" into a new life phase as an elegant and purposeful choice, rather than a haphazard leap.
There is a notion that aging brings a shift in perspective on risk-taking, with the invincibility of youth giving way to a more nuanced view in later years.
The article suggests that the traditional milestones of adulthood, such as retirement planning or homeownership, may not align with everyone's life goals, especially for those who prioritize adventure and personal growth.
The author expresses admiration for individuals who have a clear vision of their life path from a young age, yet acknowledges that even fulfilling one's dreams can lead to unexpected life outcomes.
The concept of "growing into yourself" is presented as an iterative process that involves letting go of preconceived notions and societal pressures to embrace one's authentic self.
Love is highlighted as a powerful force that teaches, energizes, and has the potential to both build and destroy, with self-love and personal relationships being instrumental in personal development.
The author endorses the idea that personal growth is a lifelong commitment, and that the act of falling or facing adversity is a necessary step towards gaining the strength to soar.

How Are You Growing Into Yourself?

It’s time to rearrange the landscape

Weekly prompt: Expand your wings and prepare to ascend

I’m about to take a colossal swan dive into the great unknown. Swan dive sounds more elegant than a belly-flop, so I’m going with that.

Yep, it’s time to rearrange the landscape. When most people are thinking about investing for retirement, buying a house, or finding a forever mate, I’m unloading a life’s worth of possessions and starting from scratch in another country. The odds of failure are stacked sky-high. But I’m going for it anyway.

What about you?

When was the last time you just said effit, I’m all in?

When was your last come to Jesus, there’s no going back now kind of moment?

As you grow into yourself, you observe the soundtrack of your life. I’ve always been a thrill-seeker bent on the next brilliant risk I can think up. But when father time comes calling, risk sits differently. In your 20’s you feel immortal; beyond that, eh, it depends.

Growing up is weird

As the years mount, people go one of two ways, settle down and settle in, or ahem, not. The latter being you’re going against the grain of society and probably your friends and family. Don’t think I forgot the third option — the mythical creatures who figure out a healthy balance in between.

But for the rest of us who haven’t found the balance yet, the road less traveled is exhilarating. And if you don’t have a family — it’s a mighty attractive option.

I’m fascinated by people who always knew what they wanted at a young age and then went on to do exactly that. I’m one of those people. But even though I achieved what I set out to do, my life looks different than I thought it would.

Do you ever feel like you're still 17, although you're well beyond? What about feeling much older than you are?

Growing up is weird because sometimes you feel younger, and sometimes you feel older. I suppose once the old body starts to creak, you feel older, but so far, so good.

Unlearning things is a big part of growing up

Did you grow to be the person you thought you would be?

Despite having achieved some of my dreams, I don’t feel like I thought I’d feel, and my life doesn't look the way I thought it would. I’ve never met anyone whose life looks and feels the way they thought it would.

Which begs the question — how are you growing into yourself?

From day one, we are filled with information, experiences, and expectations born of other people. But there comes a time when you must consider emptying the old think tank because it's filled with other people’s ideas and expectations. Yep, you internalized every single one.

Welcome to the second half of your life. Good times.

When you shed what’s outmoded, you lay the groundwork for new energy and new life.

Here’s the thing about growing up: It never ends. I mean, it's a choice, but I hope you choose to keep growing.

As quoted by many: Whatever the question, love is the answer

Some say love is the greatest teacher of all. Love gives you the courage to be who you are. Love opens you up to new worlds. Love energizes you.

Love can also destroy you, bring you heartache, and when it’s gone, leaving you feeling like you can’t go on. Love start wars and ends them too.

They also say relationships come into your life to help you grow. But the relationship that helps you grow the most is the one you forge with yourself.

Just like any relationship, it’s not easy. And just like any relationship, sometimes you need a break. But when you're committed, you know you're growing into yourself.

This poem by Rumi comes to mind as It’s both stark and comforting.

“The way of love is not a subtle argument.

The door there is devastation.

Birds make great sky-circles of their freedom. How do they learn it?

They fall, and falling, they’re given wings.”

― Rumi

You fall before you learn to fly, but in falling, you're given wings

So, expand your wings, dear friend, and prepare to ascend. Your time has come. The sky waits to take you in its arms and suspend you in flight.

Step out onto the ledge of your life and trust that not only will you survive the journey, but you will eclipse the sun in your wake.