Our self-growth journey starts when we are embryos in our mother's womb and ends when we leave this earth school. Self-growth confuses many of us because it is not linear, and growth does not occur in a silo. 

Every time I have gone through a growth phase in my life, I have found that it did not matter if I initiated the growth from an intention to become a better leader at work or a better mom; the growth process touched every part of my life. 

Sometimes, the growing season was a gentle journey of awareness markers that would point me to my next move. Other times, it felt like a tsunami that washed up every piece of me and left me alone to put together the pieces. 

I have learned that there are two kinds of growth phases, ones that you initiate yourself. Like the time, I decided that I would not go to college right after high school. Instead, I chose to take a gap year and travel. I initiated that change for myself. I planned my trips and employment for that year. Starting this growth myself allowed me to embrace growth with open arms.

The second kind of growth phase is the one you do not initiate yourself. This phase often comes about from an unexpected life experience. I have experienced this type of growth phase various times in my life, but the two most memorable phases for me were my two unplanned pregnancies which both I met with the initial reaction of shock and what now? 

This initial reaction is common when we are caught off guard with life situations that call us to grow and change. Here we are faced with two options:

1. We crumble, see it from the lens of the victim mindset and focus on "Why is this happening to me?" We jump right into ruminating, self-loathing, guilt, fear, and embarrassment in this option. Experiencing those thoughts leaves us feeling stuck, and we cannot take action. 
   

2. We rise to the occasion and see it from the lens of the up-leveler mindset which drives you to focus on: "This is happening for me, not to me!" Which, in return, places you in a curious space. In this space, you start to explore possibilities such as what is this trying to teach me? And how is this asking me to grow? Here, you can move from the initial shock right into possibilities and empower yourself to take aligned action.

Regardless of which side of the growth coin you find yourself in today, please remember that you get to choose how you respond to what is unfolding in your life. You are never stuck or a victim to anyone or any situation. You have options and opportunities for growth. Choose wisely!

Rooting for your Awakening, AM ❤️