Growing up as a child, I often heard the phrase, \”The only constant thing in life is change.\” I will tell you right now that that phrase annoyed me all the time (although, thinking back, I don\’t remember why.) But as with all things, as I have gotten older, I have come to think of this in a different light which I would like to share today.
As people, change is inevitable whether or not we want it. But change isn\’t bad; change is good. It\’s a part of growth. (If you claim to be experiencing a season of growth yet show no signs, are you truly growing? But let\’s leave that talk for another day.)
You see, many people think that you need their permission to grow and change. But you don\’t. I think this way of reasoning comes from the half-baked idea that people carry around that says they are entitled to your life. And not just that they are entitled but that they have a right to an active say in everything that concerns you. But that is rubbish (In my opinion).
When you identify a part of your life that needs change or a habit or lifestyle choice that is detrimental to your overall well-being, it is your right and responsibility to change unapologetically.
If you are like me, you may have encountered people who knew you ten years ago or even two years ago and now have a problem with the person you have become. In my experience, I have found that many people get defensive when they realize you now know what you want from life. They also don\’t appreciate it when your tolerance for bad behaviour goes down. This type of \”change\” bothers them so much that they try and make you feel bad for becoming the person you are.
People who try and guilt trip you for change generally do that because they can\’t take advantage of you any more or are jealous of the person you have become. And that is not your problem. Life is too short to be built around the preferences of others.
Now bear in mind we sometimes pick up bad habits that we don\’t notice, and that\’s a different ball game. In instances where the person has a legit point, you have to check yourself. However, when they are on a wild goose chase to get you to bend over backwards to be their friend with no direction in life, pay no head to them.
As I said, you do not owe them an explanation for becoming a better person.
It is your responsibility to be the best version of yourself possible. A version of you, who is a plus to society, and the world as a whole, and you owe no one an explanation for becoming that person. In fact, you do the world a disservice if you remain in the same position you were in a year ago and refuse to be better.
So be better, guys. Let us make the world unapologetically a better place.