Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one’s potential.~Bruce Lee
It is human nature to want to expand, open and grow. No one wants to be nor stay small, scared, unemployed, uneducated, needy, sick, nor dependent. We all want freedom, and grandness, openness and growth. We all want to shine and be the best version of ourselves.
Yet, we cant do it alone.
We have to help create the communities and environments that support folks in their paths. If you cant create it then you have to go out and find it.
It is OK for us to change our minds and our lives. No, really it is. I would also hear about how weird it was that I left my family , my community and friends. Why do you eat such strange food? Why would you want to be with those people, work with that community, live in that country, or spend time with those people.
The judgement was overwhelming on occasion.
Why? Because I wanted more even when I had no idea what MORE was. I have always been curious about everything. I always asking questions, and find all subjects and topics fascinating. I live for exploration and discovery and value it highly.
Nothing could stop me from looking beyond the boarder in front of me. Even when my knees shook from fear… I kept looking.
What and how I eat has changed over the years. What I choose to drink and whom I spend time with has evolved. In most things is my life my view has expanded and I have grown. This journey has not been easy but I had to make some hard choices.
Hard choice number 1:
I had to leave some folks behind.
I had to let go of people whose vision for their life ( and sometime my life) was limited and small. Friends were lost, relationships ended, and people I loved left me. See that’s the rub as I changed people made the choice that I was no longer what they needed. It created space for the people, wisdom and learnings I needed to keep expanding.
Hard choice number 2:
Sacrifices would have to be made.
I would not be able to stay comfortable. I would need to reinvent myself. Give up a comfortable job, salary and home because they were suffocating me. Getting to the next level meant moving into a smaller place, making less money for a few years, no vacations, or eating so I can have a bigger version of myself.
Hard choice number 3:
Self care was no longer optional. It was essential.
I had to put my health at the top of my list. Above my kids, my friends, my work. Above everything. For me to grow and learn I really wanted to connect a strong, healthier, stress free body with my mind. The version of my authentic self that I envisioned was physically active and she cared and loved herself above all else.
Expansion meant I had to step up. I had to rise.