“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

Have you ever felt like life is moving on autopilot—same routines, same speed, same path? While routines can be essential, especially for someone like me with ADD, they can also make us feel like we are not making progress. True growth happens when we break beyond the daily grind and find what brings us joy, what makes us feel alive. It’s about recognizing these moments and letting them shape us, moving us from existing to truly thriving. What challenges you? What excites you and pushes you to grow?

While overcoming challenges is crucial to our growth, it’s what follows that shapes us. After we’ve pushed through adversity, we must ask ourselves what truly drives us—what makes us feel alive. Growth happens when we break free from routine and pursue what excites us, what challenges us to evolve. It’s about more than just surviving day-to-day life; it’s about thriving, embracing the journey toward becoming the best version of ourselves.

I’ve found that embracing challenges and stepping outside my comfort zone is essential for growth. Pushing through discomfort often leads to valuable new experiences and lessons. Regular self-reflection helps me stay aware of my progress and identify areas where I can improve. I also believe in the power of continuous learning—whether through picking up new skills or gaining new insights. Lastly, cultivating emotional intelligence has been incredibly helpful, allowing me to manage my emotions, understand others better, and navigate relationships with more empathy and understanding.

Stepping out of my comfort zone has been a powerful way to grow and find joy and fulfillment in my life. For example, I challenged myself by taking an oil painting class—something I never imagined doing—and discovered that I’m pretty good at it. Bonus: it brings me a deep sense of centeredness and joy. I also returned to school at 53 to study a completely new subject, which reignited my passion for learning. Making new friendships as an adult stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. Each of these experiences has helped me adapt, grow, and find more joy along the way. Embracing new challenges has not only enriched my life but has shown me the endless potential for growth at any stage.

Regular self-reflection and cultivating emotional intelligence have been central to my growth, and I’ve prioritized my mental health as part of that journey. Meeting regularly with a therapist has given me the space to reflect on my emotions, actions, and challenges. When I realized that one therapist wasn’t enough, I added a faith transition therapist to help me navigate the unique struggles of that aspect of my life. Therapy isn’t easy, but it’s been transformative. Letting go of the need to present my “best self” and becoming more in tune with my authentic self has allowed growth to follow. Embracing vulnerability and confronting uncomfortable truths helps me shed layers of self-judgment and pretense. It’s in this raw, honest space that real transformation occurs, allowing me to grow into a more well-rounded human and make healthier, more intentional choices along the way.

In the end, growth is about more than just overcoming obstacles; it’s about embracing the challenges that shape us into the people we are meant to become. By stepping out of my comfort zone, prioritizing self-reflection, and embracing vulnerability, I’ve discovered that growth is a continuous journey. It’s in these moments—whether through new experiences, learning, or emotional growth—that we find our true potential. The process is ongoing, and with each step, we become better versions of ourselves, ready to take on whatever comes next. As you reflect on your own journey, ask yourself: What challenges are you ready to embrace? What steps can you take today to grow into your fullest self?