Your New Life Will Cost You Your Old One
It hasn’t been long since I came across this phrase, “your new life will cost you your old one.” It really hit a chord with me. I think it was my first realization, true realization, that in order to become who I want to be, I have to let go of who I have always been. Change and growth isn’t just about what you gain. It’s also about what you let go of, and I think I am finally ready to take the next step.
Transformation doesn’t mean that every single thing about you is wrong and needs to be thrown away. Absolutely not. But it does require that you take a good, hard look at every aspect of your life and see where you have become stagnant. It’s there that you have to release the old parts of your identity when it comes to routines, career, dreams, relationships, and so on. What is holding you back and how can you move forward; those are the questions you should be asking yourself.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Transformation is hard. It involves grieving for parts of yourself that you are letting go. It will involve some dark and sad moments. Growth isn’t easy nor is it comfortable. Sometimes healing means leaving the familiar but unhealthy comfort zone we have found ourselves in. It isn’t easy but it is necessary to leave behind people, patterns and places that are no longer aligned with who you are. But in the end, it’s worth it. To become who we always knew we could be. Do not keep yourself small so that others are more comfortable. To not fear the discomfort or tears that growth brings.
Letting go means making space for new things. It will open the possibility of new opportunities and relationships but beyond that, it will give you clarity, confidence and, hopefully, a healthier physical and mental state. You are allowed to want more than what is now. You are allowed to outgrow your past, mistakes and all. Who you were doesn’t have to be who you are or who you are becoming. Not everyone will understand this but that will also help you see what people are worthy of being in your life and who wants to keep you as you were, because it suits them better.
Sometimes real freedom is when you stop trying to be who you used to be. Who do you have to stop being in order to become who you’re meant to be?
