Loving yourself enough to grow

There are times when you'll talk to people about someone holding you back and the next thing they'll say is 'let the person or people go'. For someone people it is not easy to let go and for some it is a piece of cake.

For me, letting go off someone who is holding me back is actually easy. Everyone wants to progress and no one wants to be left behind. If a relationship, or friendship is not adding value to my life I'll cut that person off. But you see when it comes to family it is a bit difficult because these are the people you grew up with, the ones who love you. The truth is, personal growth requires courage, and sometimes that courage means creating distance even from the people we love.

There are times when family members believe they know what's best for you. This will make them want to dictate and direct your life, they are not doing this because they hate you but because they are scared for you. Sometimes this fear can make one stagnant.

For me, I will cut off family members when I see they are holding me back. But that does not mean I will cut them off completely. I can just set boundaries and that way I can respect them and also protect my own goals.

There are times that boundaries is not enough to keep family away. They will keep discouraging you, shaming and doing all manner of things just because you want to move forward on life. When this happens, you can just step away from them, it doesn't mean you hate them. It just means you love yourself enough to grow.

You can leave them for a while, build yourself and return when you've made it. This will inspire them, most times people only believe your dreams when they see the result.

Before you can choose to step away from your family you have to be emotionally prepared. When you decide and choose to step away, they might call you selfish or say that you have changed, they might even hate you but that because they are confused and hurt overtime, they will come back. They will forgive especially when they see that you're doing well. You must be ready to face their anger and stay focused on your goals.

Finally, while deciding to step away from your family you should ask yourself, if you stay will you grow? If you leave where will you find yourself? Growth is never easy and family should not be the road block to that growth. It is better to move forward then go back to help them later than stay back and be stuck forever simply because you're trying to please your family.

By choosing to grow, you will one day become an example to them. You can love your family but still choose to grow. Sometimes leaving is not a sign of hate. It is a sign of hope for yourself and even for them.
Image is mine