The Middle Path to Personal Growth
Ah, the age-old quest for belonging. It’s a journey I’ve been on since I was a wee lad, always molding myself to fit in, to be loved. If people found something funny or intriguing, I’d be the first to jump on that bandwagon. But here’s the kicker: despite all that effort, I’d come home feeling lonelier than ever. The relationships? Surface-level. The laughter? Hollow. The connection? Practically non-existent.
Fast forward to my roaring twenties. A time of self-discovery, where I decided to be brutally honest with myself. I pushed away societal expectations, rejecting the notion that I had to be a certain way. But as the years rolled on, I realized that life’s sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle.
Every Sunday, like clockwork, I’d chat with my mom. We’d catch up, share stories, and bond. On one such Sunday, I excitedly told her about my plans to start a mastermind group with fellow entrepreneurs. I expressed my desire to surround myself with growth-minded individuals, hoping it would reignite my passion and drive. But then she said something that caught me off guard: “There’s a limit to everything.”
Hold up. A limit? To my dreams? To my business? I felt a surge of anger. Over the years, I’ve shared my doubts, my fears, and my dreams with her. And now, she’s telling me there’s a limit? Our conversation quickly spiraled into a heated argument, veering off-topic, emotions running high.
But then, in a moment of clarity, I paused. I asked her to explain. And her response? It wasn’t what I expected. She wasn’t talking about limits on my dreams or my business. She was talking about the limits of external influences. “No matter how many entrepreneurs you surround yourself with,” she said, “until you decide to change, to put in the work, they can only help so much.”
She was right. It’s not about fitting in or rebelling against the norm. It’s about finding that middle path, where you listen, understand, and act.
So, here’s my nugget of wisdom for the week: Don’t lose yourself trying to fit in or in the rebuttal. Both are exhausting. Instead, find that middle path. Listen more, argue less. And remember, any trigger from someone else’s words is not their problem; it’s yours. Breathe, reflect, and choose the middle path. Because in the end, it’s not about fitting in or standing out, but about being authentically you.
Click here to check our current schedule.
If you have any questions you would like me to answer there are many ways you can contact me: message me on Instagram (torontodanceSalsa), on Twitter (#torontodanceSalsa), on Facebook (Toronto Dance Salsa) or email me at [email protected]
