Change is Inevitable but Growth is a Choice

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” – Unknown

I was reminded of this quote during two conversations I had this past week; one with a friend and another with a business partner. Both of them have gone through the loss of a parent in the past several months and both are dealing with that life change differently.

In both instances, they began their journey by isolating themselves from their friends, family and those who love them, when they felt overwhelmed by the circumstances. They both are ready to move forward and get back in the game of life. In their own way, each is embracing the change and seeing it as an opportunity to grow and develop personally.

My friend said “I can be angry about the past, or I can choose to forgive. My anger and resentment was only hurting me, no one else was even affected by it. They just went on living their lives, without my attitude impacting them in any way. I choose to no longer isolate myself either. I am ready to get back in the game of life”

My business partner on the other hand didn’t want to burden the people who care about her with the challenges she was facing. She truly thought of her struggles as a burden to others, instead of realizing so many people wanted to be there to help her through her challenges. Starting now, she plans to reach out to people, instead of trying to deal with her struggles by herself.

You see, we have a choice that we can make every time we are faced with a change we weren’t expecting, whether that be a life change such as losing a loved one or a small change like a disappointment or something you had hoped for just didn’t turn out how you intended. How will you choose? Will you choose to grow through adversity and let it wisely direct your next steps?

The choice is yours to make. I wish you growth and wise choices as you continue through your life’s journey.