The journey – just like love, life, success, and happiness – has over 7 billion different definitions.

I like to think that someones growth and their individualistic journey go hand in hand. In order to grasp the journey, you need to be open to vulnerability, risk taking, and mistakes. Yes, I consider those few words as characteristics of my personal growth. Obviously there are other things that we all experience that make us grow up or learn about ourselves, but these three words sum up my past, present, and potentially my future – perfectly.

Like a lot of people in todays world; boys and girls, men and women, no matter the age-  I used to think to myself, that never in a billion, gazillion years would I look at my reflection, and think of my insecurities as an accomplishment. But today, right now, in this very moment as I witness myself becoming the young woman I am proud of – inside & out – I reflect on the progress I’ve made.

The scars that I hold mentally and physically, are the results of whirlwind, unstable emotions I’ve been through.

I AM NO LONGER THAT FRAGILE PERSON

who thought the words uttered from people who do not matter, were truths.

Because I’ve realized my imperfections are what makes me beautiful and pure.

who let a disease control her every move.

But instead  I’m that  person who decided to escape that dark hole  and find myself a cure.

My very scars communicate a story of progress, achievements, but most importantly – battles against myself that I ultimately won. Because I can finally look at my reflection in the mirror and say, “You’re beautiful, you’re badass, you’re smart, and you’re loved”.

My journey obviously isn’t over, but a stage of growth I overcame, was lived and buried. It was a stage of my life that I wish I wouldn’t have spent so much time worrying about pointless, petty, useless things. But like I said, its buried because I said so.

It wasn’t an easy victory, but if you’re struggling like how I was at one point, to discover your TRUE beauty – don’t give up. Your journey is worth it, and you’re worth it.

Remember when we used to experience growing pains? Blast from the past huh? I think the term ‘growing pains’ is more than just a phrase from our younger years.That very stage I buried, was a chapter of my growing pains.

Growing pains don’t just go away – they’re very much a part of life. We get to a certain point where growing pains aren’t just our “bones moving” (as our parents would say). Whether the pain is physical or emotional, happy or sad, brief or forever (even though pain is temporary), we learn and grow from these very moments and are continuously facing them.

Letting yourself become and undergo all the in-betweens, is allowing yourself to be vulnerable to the uncertainties of life.
Don’t you think it should work like this?

You begin with a desire, you dwell upon it, move with it, and before you know it – you become the change you had always wished for.

You fall in love at the right time, with the right person, then they fall in love, the timing is perfect, and before you know it, the earth moves in a different way, the clouds create artwork, the breeze moves nature in a rhythmic way, and the air you breath cleanses your mind.

You make a friend with a simple ‘how are you?’, time passes and you both are enduring life challenges and successes together, and before you know it, you’re naming your first child after them.

You speak up for something you’re passionate about, which then creates a movement, and before you know it, you’re running for president.

In the absence of fear but in the presence of vulnerability, you are capable of amazing and meaningful things. 

Be open to growth, because the journey becomes one hell of a ride.

xo

Amanda