The journey of growth
Yes, no doubt, the process of growth can be inconvenient, and it happens in different dimensions for different people. But then, one must also weigh the available options before embarking on the path one intends to follow because it doesn't always mean that whenever one experiences difficulties, there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel. No, it doesn't work like that. One can pass through intense difficulties in the process of growth and still end up with nothing. So, it is highly advisable that one thinks properly before embarking on the necessary journey of growth.
Using my case as an example, I haven't arrived at where I want to be, but the truth is that I have passed through different stages of growth, and I must say, I didn't experience most of the hardships people often associate with leaving their parents' house, let alone those that come with living independently. It happened with ease for me. I simply danced to the tune life was playing, and I found myself at a destination that has become a part of my life.
When I finished school, I didn't return to my parents' house. I was already used to living alone and hustling to earn money for my upkeep towards the end of the last phase of my schooling. Not that I was earning a lot, no, I was just managing life. I proceeded to NYSC straight from school, and after my service year, I only briefly stayed at my parents' house before leaving to continue my life in the city where I had schooled. This was much easier for me because I was already familiar with the city and had found my feet there.
Growth itself.
Growth comes with cutting off certain lifestyles and other attachments that may hinder one's success in life. Growth also comes with embracing habits that may make life uncomfortable in a very negative way. So, yeah, growth comes with two sides of life: it makes, and it mars.
What do I mean?
In my father's house, none of us smokes, and up until today, I still hope that none of my siblings adopts smoking as a lifestyle. Because when any of them eventually does, we won't have much of a say in the matter because they are adults who have grown and know what they consider good for themselves. While people may argue that there is nothing wrong with smoking because people smoke and nothing happens to them, we should always remember that smoking can damage certain human organs, which may eventually lead to premature death.
What if any of my siblings embraces lesbianism? While some people may argue that there is nothing wrong with this, it is not acceptable in my family. And if this eventually happens, it may be very difficult to talk that sibling out of it because they would conclude that it is what they have chosen to be as they transition from their teenage years into adulthood. And we all know that lesbianism has its perceived advantages too, which they must have seen and considered before deciding to embrace it. That, to them, is also growth.
"Kingsley, you're not making sense. Think well"
You're always thinking this way and screaming my name, right?
What I'm saying is the truth.
Growth does not just cut off bad habits, it always inherits habits which are seen as bad by people but to the person experiencing it, there's nothing wrong with it. And they can even be more successful than people who are "clean".
Thanks for reading.
