At one point or another, everyone will reach a point in their lives where they simply aren't the same person they once were. There will come a day when this difference is noticed. Those close and distant in relation may point out this difference, or it will be noticed by the individuals themselves. This difference is a matter of an individual growing and/or changing into the person they want to be recognized as. Some may see this difference as a negative thing. But for me, in most cases, I'd like to argue it is a positive thing. I'd also like to argue there is a distinct difference between "growing" and "changing."
I first noticed a difference within myself after my first year away at school. I was putting myself out there and embracing the outgoing nature of my personality. I made tons of new friends and experienced so much just by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. At first, I thought this was just an effect of college; I had to be more outgoing than usual in order to get comfortable. Then, I came back from school, and others also noticed this enhanced version of myself.
I received mixed reactions of how I had changed and how proud and happy people were for me. This was conflicting for me because I had noticed these changes within myself, but I did not perceive them to be that noticeable or necessarily a bad thing. All of these mixed feelings made me realize what others were failing to recognize: There is a distinct difference between growing and changing, and both aren’t “bad things.”
By definition, to “grow” is to “become larger or greater over a period of time; to increase,” and to “change” is “the act or instance of making or becoming different.” Growing is more personal; it is something important and dear to an individual and typically happens over time, whereas changing is something that is more noticeable and may happen very quickly.
As different as these notions are, they both share the stigma of being “bad.” I believe people don't like to see differences in themselves or others, because it's another adjustment they have to make in their lives. I also believe that if individuals experience a growth or change in themselves, and are content with who they have become or on track to who they are becoming, others should support them. Growing and changing is a choice, a choice made by the individuals themselves, and if they are happy, everyone should be happy. Growing and changing is a natural, unavoidable part of life; it should be accepted and, most importantly, embraced.
