Acknowledge What You’ve Outgrown

When we were kids, it was evident when we outgrew things.

The shoes we once loved, became too tight and hurt our feet. Our favorite outfit that we’d run around in all day, became too small.

When these things occurred, we didn’t question it. Although just children, we understood that our bodies evolved. They expanded. And if something didn’t fit, while we may have tried to keep wearing it for a period, eventually we would let go because it would cause discomfort.

As life evolves, we continue to grow, but because there’s not a firm way to measure that growth (e.g., in inches or feet) it becomes more difficult to let go of things that we’ve outgrown. And in a lot of circumstances, we stay in environments, relationships, jobs, and situations that no longer serve us. We stay attached to a younger, less mature, less skilled version of us, and hold on to that image so tightly, that we don’t see ourselves for who it is that we actually are, but instead, for who it is that we were.

Considering such, our challenge this week is to dig deep and spend 10-15 minutes every day thinking about and acknowledging what you have outgrown.

The challenge: acknowledge what you’ve outgrown!

Of course, letting go of things that no longer fit is much easier than letting go of a friendship that you may have held for 20+ years.

This challenge isn’t to suggest that you need, in this moment, to make radical decisions where you end relationships, quit jobs, etc., but instead, it’s an opportunity for you to simply become aware of what things you have outgrown.

As you work to complete this challenge you may consider asking:

What is one activity I recall enjoying deeply, that no longer provides the same satisfaction?

Perhaps you used to love bike riding. And because that became a part of who you are, and people began to associate you with riding bikes, you may have felt an obligation to stay connected to this activity in spite of no longer enjoying it.

Or, maybe you identify through a comparable type question that you had a friend in college who you went out and had drinks with every weekend. Because she or he was a prevalent part of your collegiate experience, and you held such deep bond and memories, you may have felt obligated to remain in friendship with this person. But, if their interests remained the same, and yours have evolved, the hope is that this reflection allows you to acknowledge this outgrowing so you can make a decision that is best for your present and future self.

In this specific friendship example, outgrowing doesn’t make you “better” than them. It’s not a condemning of their desires or a promotion of your own. And it doesn’t mean that you are a “bad” person either for wanting something different. It’s simply a sheer recognition that what was, isn’t what is.

You deserve to honor your commitments to self. To honor what makes you happy, fulfilled, and allows you to show up as your very best.

This week, promise yourself that you’ll spend deliberate time thinking about and acknowledging what you’ve outgrown. Sitting in silence to examine these things may not be easy, nor will it be comfortable to be honest with yourself as you acknowledge them. But spending the time to do so is essential for you to make changes that are more presently aligned with your current needs and desires.

Have a great week!