Chaos, The Teacher

Have your most honest lessons come from any chaotic season? This reflection of mine where chaos has brought honesty to the surface, became the sacrifice needed to be a better me. Let's discuss!

Sorry to be MIA for a hot minute. I’ve been in reflection mode. One reflection in particular that I’m eager to share is the personal reminder: not to be bothered when life feels messy, uncontrollable, scary - or even boring.

It’s easier said than done. But I’m learning that in the process of finding ourselves, we often have to lose versions of ourselves first.

This became very real for me when I moved from the Gold Coast to Melbourne in 2022. I had an intuitive sense that something big was coming, something I wasn’t going to like (on the horizon) and I promised myself I wouldn’t lose who I was along the way. I was comfortable with who I was; too comfortable! 2022 was the first year of uni, new city, new people - and yet, life became messy very quickly.

I found myself navigating multiple toxic environments while also experiencing many “firsts.” I was exhausted from trying to be the good girl, from wanting to control my growth instead of allowing it to unfold naturally. I thought growth was something to manage - not something to surrender to.

Recently, a new friend shared a perspective that landed deeply with me:

“We have to go through things to grow through things.”

So growth doesn’t look graceful I guess. It made me then - and this makes - me reflect on how discomfort, confusion, and even periods of feeling lost aren’t detours - they’re often the curriculum.

I’m curious -

Have most of use felt this lately?

Specifically understanding the Chinese snake year - that’ll wrap up soon - was meant for all of us to shed a few skins. Has your growth felt chaotic and uncomfortable at times?