GROWTH & BALANCE

As I look around me in this chaotic world we are currently living in, I often ask myself, if we are not growing as human beings to become better, more compassionate people, who are kind to one another, then what are we even doing here on Earth? What is the point of it all? I certainly don’t believe it is to live in fear, hate, division or constant stress.

The older I get, the more I contemplate these philosophical questions and the more I see my children grow into young adults, the stronger my desire becomes to make a difference and leave a positive impact in the world. Not only as an individual, but as a parent as well, in the hopes that I have helped to raise kinder, more empathetic human beings, who will affect the collective.

I am fully aware that life is a constant duality and polarity of ups and downs, good and bad, that’s the natural ebb and flow of our world, but when the scales are tipped, it is important for us to seek that balance. If we let one side tip the scales too far, whether we’re chasing only the highs or dreading the lows, we risk losing ourselves in the process.

Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about harmony. It’s about finding that steady middle ground where we can breathe, grow, and feel whole. When we keep the scales even in all areas: our mind, body, relationships, politics, work, and self-love, we create space for true peace and resilience. My strongest belief in life is that it is always about growth and finding the BALANCE in all things.

As I was writing this article, something really hit me…the people who probably to need to learn more about growth and balance, may not even be the audience for which I write. They may not even be open to reading, growing, learning, or evolving and honestly, that’s a big part of the problem we’re facing today in our society. When people are not willing to take a step back and look at the overall bigger picture and recognize how their behavior and actions are pieces of a bigger puzzle, the collective remains a scattered mess, instead of a cohesive puzzle. We are all puzzle-makers in the jigsaw of life.  ~Lissette Rozenblat

If we, as humans, aren’t willing to grow, if we’re not trying to become more loving, more compassionate, and more open to people who think, live, or believe differently than we do, then we’re going to stay stuck. Constantly at a crossroads, going in circles instead of moving forward.

We all have our own beliefs, opinions, and rights and that matters. But at the same time, there’s something bigger than just “me.” When we learn how to exist together with some level of respect for each other, harmony, and overall balance, that’s when things actually start to work. Because let’s be real, almost everyone says they want a peaceful, loving, free world…but not everyone is willing to do what it takes to create that. Not everyone is willing to reach out, meet someone halfway, or even try to understand the person next to them.

That said, there are people doing the work. There are people who have shifted their perspectives, learned from life, and opened their minds to new ideas and different kinds of people. And that, to me, is what life is really about: learning, growing, evolving, and choosing love along the way. True balance is staying open, grounded, and willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you avoid discomfort to keep the peace, you don’t find balance, you stay stuck. A balanced mind creates a peaceful life, and enough peaceful lives can change the world.

We are all individuals with rights and our own thoughts and beliefs, but together, in harmony, is how we keep the collective functioning in a peaceful and harmonious way. 

Everyone, (almost everyone) wants to live in a free and peaceful world, but not everyone is willing to actually make the effort to make that happen or extend their hand to their (proverbial) neighbor to make it work. 

As I stated, there are many of us who have changed our perspective and viewpoints, “put in the work,” throughout the years. We’ve evolved, learned lessons and opened our mind to other possibilities and people. That is the essence of life: to love, to learn and to evolve, (in my opinion.)

This doesn’t mean you are always right or that you have to accept everything and everyone, but it does remind me of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who said:   “To put others in the wrong does not make oneself right.”  

True growth and understanding come without causing harm. If you’re not here to help lift others up, then at least, don’t tear them down intentionally. Real wisdom and growth come from compassion and kindness. That’s how you know your mind is truly expanding. 

Growth happens outside your comfort zone.  Something that is important to keep in mind is that, if you only surround yourself with people who agree with everything you say, you miss out on learning, perspective, and true expansion. Different opinions challenge us to see things from new angles, sharpen our understanding, and deepen our wisdom. 

“Do no harm but do good if you can.” (from the Hippocratic Oath)

Ask yourself: Are you open to conversations that make you uncomfortable? Are you willing to listen, learn, and grow from perspectives different from your own? Ask yourself, why does it make you uncomfortable to listen to perspectives that differ from yours?  Or interact with people who look different than you or may not have the same upbringing or religious background or whatever the case may be…

Seeking opposing views isn’t about disagreement, it’s about discovery.  Make a conscious choice today to seek out voices that challenge you and embrace the learning that comes with it. Expand your mind and unlock your true potential. 

The biggest lessons come from perspectives that stretch us. Listening to other perspectives that may seem outside the “norm,” even crazy or absurd to you, because you have only ever thought one way, will help you to step beyond your circle. 

Surround yourself with people who inspire you to think bigger and become more.

That’s where true learning begins. Your future self will thank you! Stay open. Stay curious. Keep evolving.  

Remember, you always have the power to choose! Set your intention to become a better version of yourself. A person who is willing to learn, grow and find alignment in a world that is often off-balance.

Learn to embrace diversity of thought, maintain balance in all things and watch how your world widens. 

Your greatest growth starts now!