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Most people that we look up to as positive role models and strong moral guides would insist that they were not simply born, raised, and led on a path of seemingly perfect character their entire lives. Religious figures, philanthropists, celebrities, even our family and friends that we admire all have experienced a series of events that helped to shape them into who they are. In fact, many of them may even cringe at the thought of their teenage, young adult, and even previous year selves. This process of growth is not something that happens overnight, and it can happen deliberately or unintentionally.
Spring symbolizes rebirth - the natural regrowth in nature that occurs after the harsh cold of winter. The same way that flowers bloom, caterpillars hatch into butterflies, and leaves fill trees, we all are capable of rebirth. As said by someone out there much wiser than I, following the challenges we face in life, we are presented with two options: evolve or repeat.
Life will continue to give us the same challenges over and over until we learn how to grow from them. If we don’t learn, there is no rebirth, there is no new chance, there is no growth.
What I personally have found, after making every mistake in the book, is that learning and growth takes time and patience. Patience with yourself, patience with those around you, a lot of forgiveness, and there is no room for grudges - against yourself or anyone else. Everyone is at a different part in their journey, and everyone has unique challenges impacting their capacity for growth. As Maya Angelou says, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Some people may ‘know better’ as it comes, and it’s written into their biology. Some people ‘know better’ far further along than others. All that matters is that you are evolving once you do.
We hope you enjoy this edition, and that you are as moved by these stories as we are.
