Do you remember getting growing pains as a child? Those mysterious aches in the leg muscles were anything but pleasant! Yet despite the pain and discomfort, something good and important was happening at the same time: we were growing!
Whether as a child or as an adult, have you ever had to make a big transition? Most of us have made many transitions throughout our lives. A big move to another city, a new school, a different job, or even a change in careers—chances are we all have several personal stories of major transitions we’ve gone through. Each transition has come with its own set of ups and downs. Some changes have been very positive, others not so much. But no matter the transition, change is difficult and even painful.
My colleague Dee McCarthy recently shared this post on LinkedIn:
Read that again: “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
Obviously growing pains are not limited to physical muscle aches. Throughout our lives we experience not only physical growth, but also emotional growth, personal growth, relational growth, spiritual growth, professional growth, organizational growth—and more! We are continually growing and going through changes, and very often that growth and that change comes with a certain measure of pain.
“But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” Let that sink in!
Growth is necessary. Change is necessary. Both are necessary and important! Don’t let fear of growing pains hold you back and keep you stuck somewhere you don’t belong. Embrace growth! Embrace change! When you come through to the other side, I guarantee you will find that those “muscle aches” are well worth the cost.
