As I sit here, reflecting on the journey that has brought me to where I am today, I’m reminded of the harsh reality that often comes with growing up: leaving some people behind. It’s a painful truth, but an inevitable one.

When we’re young, we’re often defined by our carefree spirits, our wild adventures, and our slightly reckless decisions. As we grow older, our lives become more complex, and our priorities should begin to shift. We begin to crave stability, security, and depth.

And that’s when the uncomfortable truth sets in: some people don’t want to see us grow.

They’re stuck on the version of us from our twenties, the one who was more carefree, more reckless, more wild. They almost romanticize those days, nostalgia tugging at their heartstrings like a familiar melody. They want us to stay frozen in time, reliving those memories like a favorite album on repeat.

But here’s the thing: growth is not stagnant. It’s dynamic, it’s messy, and it’s unpredictable. As we evolve, we shed old skin, much like a snake molting its way to a new identity. And sometimes, that means leaving people behind.

It’s not that we don’t care about those people; we do. We’ve shared laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments with them. But as we mature, our values change, our goals shift, and our priorities realign. We outgrow some relationships just as we outgrow our clothes or our hairstyle.

The Harsh Reality of Growth

It’s normal to grow up and leave some people behind. It’s normal for people to not grow with you.

In fact, it’s essential to recognize that growth is not a team effort. Not everyone is called to evolve at the same pace, in the same direction, or even at all. Some people are content with stagnation, while others are driven by an insatiable hunger for self-improvement.

When you find yourself feeling like you’re drifting away from old friends or acquaintances who refuse to acknowledge your growth, don’t be discouraged. You’re not doing anything wrong; you’re simply moving forward.

It takes courage to acknowledge your own evolution and the changes that come with it. It takes courage to let go of the past and embrace the unknown.

As you navigate this journey of self-discovery and growth, remember that you’re not alone. There are others out there who are walking a similar path.

And when you find those individuals, hold onto them tightly. They are the ones who will not only stand by your side as you grow into the best version of yourself, but encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

If you were to ask me if I regret my youth, I don’t. And I never will. I always say I was controlled chaos. I knew how to have fun, stay within my limits, and not do anything that I would be ashamed of. I owned who I was. But does that mean I still want to be that person that I was at 25? No. And you shouldn’t want to be either.

Sometimes it’s hard to see our friends and acquaintances make changes in their lives, whether it’s a new job, a move to a new city, or simply a shift in their priorities. It can feel like they’re leaving us behind. But here’s the thing: growth is not a competition, and we don’t have to be threatened by someone else’s evolution. In fact, we should celebrate it. Let’s be the type of people who show up for our friends and loved ones as they take risks, pursue their passions, and grow through what they go through. And let’s not forget to support ourselves on our own growth journeys too.

Life is too short to stay stuck. Let’s normalize learning, adapting, and evolving.