To outgrow the things that used to keep you up at night—

the food that used to taste so sweet on your tongue,

the shows that you used to stay up all night binge-watching, 

the people that you thought your heart would stop if they cut you out of their life.

The songs that used to get you up don't anymore,

the hair and makeup and dresses and shoes that used to be your favorite.

Oh, to grow, to outgrow things, people, places—

the scents that remind you of a place, a person, or a memory,

validation, the attention seeking, the people-pleasing,

the societal pressure,

the battles in your head.

Oh, to grow, to bloom, to evolve.

To open your mind to new possibilities,

to learn new languages, new skills, picking up new hobbies,

finding out things about yourself you didn't think possible,

to see your body grow, bloom, and perk up in the most surprising places.

Oh, to bloom,

to love your solitude,

to keep an open mind on what life holds,

understanding that life is growth, and so is growth, life.

Speak fewer words selectively and gently,

give more grace to people,

understand why your mother said what she said.

Oh, to heal,

to heal from the things you don't talk about,

to learn to listen more and speak less,

to be unapologetically your truest self,

to do the work to heal and decipher triggers,

to spend time with oneself.

Oh, to grow,

embracing your flaws,

keeping an open mind,

to shed off old versions of oneself, move differently,

old versions of yourself trying to catch up with the evolved you, a grown you, a blooming you.

Back and forth,

until gradually you step into who you have truly grown to become.

To grow, evolve, bloom, and evolve with the intent is such a beautiful thing!