Growth is a process. You don’t just wake up and become the butterfly. It’s an idea that resonates deeply with me, not only because I’ve seen it unfold in my own life, but also because I’ve witnessed it in the lives of those around me. The metaphor of a butterfly doesn’t just illustrate the transformation, but it speaks to the struggles and the time it takes to emerge into something beautiful and free.
I didn’t just wake up one day and become who I am today. My journey began early, at the age of six, when I was sent to boarding school. The initial days were tough. I felt the weight of being away from my parents, the comfort of home, and everything familiar. It was a challenging start, but little did I know, it was the beginning of a profound transformation.
Boarding school taught me resilience. I learned to navigate the complexities of making friends, adapting to a new environment, and handling responsibilities at a young age. These experiences shaped my character and instilled in me a sense of independence. I made many friends, most of whom moved on, yet a few remained, providing moral support during challenging times. Each friendship, whether fleeting or lasting, taught me something valuable about human connections and the strength found in solitude.
As I moved through high school, college, and eventually into the workforce, I encountered numerous challenges that tested my resilience. I faced a mid-life crisis that forced me to reevaluate my life’s journey. This period was a turning point, a cocooning phase where I realized that the journey of life is inherently solitary. This realization was both daunting and empowering. Accepting the solitary nature of my journey gave me the strength to continue moving forward, one day at a time.
In my professional life, I navigated the dynamic and often demanding environment of the banking sector. Over the past 12 years, I’ve seen the industry evolve, and with it, I’ve had to adapt and grow. Managing teams, staying informed with the latest updates, and handling the complexities of human emotions in a workplace taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Growth, I learned, is not a destination but a constant process of evolving and improving.
Writing has been another significant aspect of my growth journey. My personal blog became a space where I could express my thoughts, share my experiences, and connect with others on similar paths. Topics on mental and emotional well-being, solitude, self-discovery, and setting boundaries became central themes. Through writing, I found a way to process my experiences and offer insights to others, hoping to inspire and support those who might be facing similar struggles.
Through my LinkedIn, I’ve shared my professional experiences, offering advice on job interviews, professional growth, and adapting to industry changes. These platforms allowed me to reflect on my journey, share my knowledge, and learn from the experiences of others. Helping others grow has been as fulfilling as my own growth journey, reinforcing the idea that growth is a process that benefits from shared experiences and collective wisdom.
Growth is indeed a process. It’s a series of small steps, each contributing to the overall transformation. Just as the butterfly doesn’t emerge overnight, neither do we. Our journeys are filled with moments of struggle, learning, and ultimately, transformation. Embracing this process, with all its highs and lows, is what makes the journey worthwhile.
As I continue on this path, I’m reminded daily that growth is ongoing. It’s about continually striving to be better, learning from each experience, and embracing the process with patience and resilience. I hope my journey inspires others to see their own growth as a beautiful, ongoing process, leading them to their own moments of emergence and freedom.
