PEBBLE
All that you touch you change.
All that you change changes you.
The only lasting truth is change.
~Octavia E. Butler, shared by Sara in Madison, WI
BOULDER
Trust the growing you’re doing. You do not have to stay the same. Shifting toward the light and purpose of your life is a beautiful testament to your journey of growth and self-love. Keep going.
-Alex Elle, shared by Pidge in Pacifica, CA
PONDER
For many of us, adolescence stands out as a particularly challenging period of our lives. There’s so much change, so much insecurity, and several competing priorities: our strong desire to fit in and feel a strong connection to others who are like us competes with an emerging desire to stand out and be seen as someone special and unique.
This is also true for other “growth spurts” we experience in our lives, whether it’s getting a new job, entering into a new relationship, or any of the other big changes and challenges we experience as part of a full life.
For example, in the last few years I’ve been thinking about what I want the next stage in my life (60s & 70s) to look like. It’s been super helpful to engage others in these ponderations, especially my sweetie and a couple of dear friends who are also in transition. Besides the opportunity to process all I’ve been thinking, feeling and doing (calling all extroverts!), it is also really useful to hear what others on a similar journey are thinking, feeling and doing. Oh, and guess what else: spending time with each of them is also a ton of fun. It turns out that giggles can help you grow!
If you are in or nearing a growth spurt, or even if you’re just dealing with the regular amount of challenge and change in your life, I hope you find the right combination of all the things: excitement and fear; planning and doing; solo time and surrounding yourself with support; taking it seriously and taking it lightly.
And may you giggle while you grow!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Do you know how much you help me grow just by reading Ripples? These weekly splashes create space for me to reflect on and process the stuff going on in my life and in the world. I understand both a lot better because we hang out for 60 seconds every Monday. Thanks, y’all!
