This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
“Create Or Disintegrate. You’re Either Growing Or Dying.”
What or who do you need to leave behind?
Ultimately, I had to remove myself from my old surroundings because stagnation had taken over so many areas of my life; I had essentially become paralyzed. I couldn’t make any real progress because my surroundings were debilitating.
After I moved into my new surroundings, I immediately saw the light. Things I needed to work on, things I was already doing well on, things I forgot about concerning myself, and things I never knew about myself all came to the surface.
For example, I thought I was an introvert for several years. Yet, looking back decades ago I demonstrated completely opposite behaviors. I know how to function on both sides of the fence, and solitude feels really good to me, but I’m definitely ambivert. Somehow I allowed life, people, and circumstances to place me in a defined box. The introvert was never me; it was just a mask I wore until I found myself again.
Another example, I was unhappy living where I was a short time ago. I kept putting it off, telling myself to make the most of it when in reality, I knew exactly where I wanted to be, and I had the means to be there. So why not pick up and go? I did precisely that and haven’t looked back.
My new favorite motto: If not now, when?
When we’re stuck, that’s our sign that we need to make a change. If we’re not careful, we will wake up one day, and years have passed, and we’re still stuck.
Are You Growing Or Dying?
“Create or disintegrate. You’re either growing or dying.”
It always boils down to one or the other. We’re either moving upwards, or we’re falling downwards. Our surroundings, relationships, and circumstances can also have a powerful effect on which direction we’re moving in.
Some are easily influenced by outer circumstances, which means they constantly have to juggle an emotional personal development journey. For others, they are inner directed, which means they choose to invest in their personal development no matter what takes place in the outside world.
However, there are times in our lives where, no matter how stoic-like we are, our surroundings negatively affect our spiritual journeys, and we must remove ourselves before we compromise too much of ourselves.
An interesting quote states: “Most of us die at the age of 25 and get buried at 85.” Why? Trauma, adverse circumstances, life, stress, fear, or what have you can quickly overtake your life. If you’re not careful, life will take the life out of you, and you’ll be like a zombie from The Walking Dead – simply going wherever life and people take you.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.