Embracing Darkness for Growth

Today’s truth topic is one that resonates with me on a deeply personal level, and it’s one of the hardest to discuss. Together, we’ll explore the real journey of personal growth and the inevitable challenges we face when reaching new levels of understanding. While it’s natural to seek happiness and light, sometimes darkness plays an essential role in our growth. This doesn’t mean seeking harm or negativity; rather, it means that real growth requires letting go of familiar identities and sometimes even people who no longer align with our path forward.

Becoming Who You Need to Be

I once heard, “You cannot become a successful person by being the person you are today. If that were truly your path, it would have worked by now.” This truth resonated powerfully, echoing through the room as the audience absorbed its weight. To achieve our goals, we often need to look within and adjust what’s no longer working. But remember, transformation doesn’t have to happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s the smallest shifts in mindset that bring about the greatest change.

Tiny Shifts, Big Impact

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes, showing us that even small changes can have a big impact. However, we sometimes struggle to release the things—or people—that reinforce our current identity. When we keep seeking reassurance about who we think we are, we end up repeating familiar cycles rather than experiencing new possibilities. As I often say to those seeking advice, be the proponent of the change you want to see in your life. Though it’s only the beginning, this shift is a powerful catalyst for growth.

The Role of Giving: Knowing What to Hold Back

Throughout my life, I’ve faced times when I thought, “I’ve finally made it.” Yet each time, I found myself slipping back into familiar patterns. I’ve long considered myself a giving person, which shaped my identity in profound ways. But I learned that giving too much of myself—whether it was time, money, or energy—often kept me tethered to situations I’d outgrown. Giving is vital, but what we give and to whom we give it can make all the difference. Boundless generosity, without boundaries, can sometimes keep us rooted in places we’re meant to leave.

“Don’t lose yourself in giving so much to others that you forget what you need to flourish.”

The Importance of Walking Away

Some people close to me have heard me say that I don’t believe in an outside force “holding us back.” More often than not, the challenges come from within our own circles or our own minds. Science tells us that opposite forces repel one another, so when we experience conflict, it’s usually between forces on the same pole, moving in opposing directions. As we rise to new levels of thought and understanding, we sometimes have to make the difficult choice to leave behind relationships, situations, or identities that feel comfortable but ultimately don’t support our growth.

“To truly transform, you have to be willing to walk away from the person you were and the people who held you there.”

The Power of Letting Go

Walking away is often one of the hardest things we can do, but sometimes it’s the most necessary step forward. For me, it took years to accept that walking away from certain relationships—including jobs, friendships, and even family members—was essential to my personal growth. This decision can feel taboo, especially when it involves family. But I believe that sometimes our strongest sense of belonging comes from creating space for who we are becoming, rather than clinging to what we’ve known. For a long time, I felt out of place within my own family, but I didn’t allow myself to fully acknowledge or act on those feelings until adulthood.

Questions for Reflection

If this resonates with you, here are some questions to consider:

• Have you ever thought about leaving a long-standing relationship but hesitated due to familiarity or obligation?
• Are there friends or family members in your life that you stay connected with more out of duty than genuine connection?
• Do you find it difficult to let go of roles or habits that keep you rooted in your comfort zone?

Reflecting on these questions may reveal areas in your life where change is waiting to happen.

A Call to Action: Choosing Growth Over Comfort

Growth is not a destination—it’s an ongoing journey that requires courage, honesty, and sometimes the strength to walk away. I invite you to reflect on where you may be holding on too tightly to the familiar, whether in relationships, beliefs, or habits. If you feel inspired, take a moment to write down your thoughts and share any insights or experiences in the comments. Letting go can be a transformative step toward the life you envision.

Embrace change. Embrace growth. Embrace the unknown.