I have come a long way
However,My growth does not seem noticeable to others.
Someone saw me today and said, you have not changed at all. You look just the same way you were when I last saw you 9 years ago. I laughed and said ” Darling I drink from the fountain of youth“
But I kid you not I have changed some. I have grown. My relationship with myself has improved. Perspectives have changed, my mind is being renewed daily, my priorities have evolved and I have new set of challenges too😂. So on a lighter note ” how do you say I am still the same?”
Alot of us don’t appreciate progress that people do not see. In my case when a lot of people see me they expect me to have added more weight. “After graduation weight is a thing” my friend told me recently. For an average Nigerian female, having weight in all the right places( boobs, hips and butt) seem more socially acceptable and the adults see a woman who has more flesh on her bones as more healthy. So I am regularly advised to eat well so I can add more weight to my slim rectangle shaped frame. That way my body can tell others that this 27 year old has transitioned from being a “girl” to a “woman” and that ” I have changed”
I digress, but I will get back on track now. I was saying that “it is easier for for people to spot and acknowledge a difference when it is obvious. People see when you have added weight, people see when you have lost weight, people see when you buy expensive things and gadgets. People judge your progress by what they see- results.
However, some progress are not so obvious. We make progress in our personal lifes that people might never know. Character growth is a big deal too. In my opinion it is even bigger than material progress.
Personally, I am definitely not where I want to be and I still struggle with certain insecurities daily but I am also learning to be grateful for how far I have come. I have found strength in situations where I previously thought I could not handle. I am learning that slow progress is still progress!
My View…
Learn to appreciate the progress you have made that people cannot see. That people cannot see them and comment on it does not make it insignificant. Remember that the state of your mind is very much important to the quality of life we live on earth.
- Be thankful for the times you made good decisions in respect to your health, eating habits and diets,
- Be thankful for making good relationship decisions
- Appreciate the times you have improved your work ethics,
- Be grateful for the times you have made wrong turns and for the grace to retrace your steps,
- Be thankful for good habits you have developed etc.
My friend said ” Behind the Scene is often too messy to show”
Not minding the mess our minds and life might be at times, we are still cleaning up! Be grateful for Progress.
Thank you for coming around.
Bloom N Adore 
As long as we’re moving forward, it doesn’t matter if people notice. God’s opinion is the only one that matters.
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Yes Ma- you put it so succinctly – God’s Opinion of us is what matters. Thank You 🌹
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Well written and very encouraging Lade! So true that change is not always visible on the outside.
I recieve the ‘You never change OR you haven’t aged a day’ comment a lot. I once found it a very disappointing observation knowing that there are changes that people can’t see. But now I take the ‘You never change’ comment as a compliment. The older you get… the more you appreciate people not noticing you’re older… 😂🤣😂🤣😂 I think I’ll always be young at heart, and I hope I continue to age pleasantly, but inwardly I aim for those changes that move us towards maturity.
Keep blooming, adoring… and shining little sister. ❤
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Change is really the only constant but perhaps what people are appreciating are the qualities you possess as a friend.
I can imagine you as owning characteristics such as encouraging, and empathetic.
there is a saying _ Be yourself, everyone else is taken.
I encourage you to just be yourself. – David
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