Personal Growth Series Introduction

So over the last couple years, I have made some huge strides in my life. No, not financial strides, career strides, or even social networking strides. I have made, for the first time in my life, real personal growth strides.

Admittedly, 'Personal growth' is a pretty loaded term. I always struggle with these ambiguous terms when others use them. So, what does in mean in my case? What's my take on the definition? It means that I became me. I quit letting others' comments, ridicules, condescension weigh on me. I quit meeting others' awful expectations of me and how I should be. I left all substances and addictions behind. I washed off the funk left from bad relationships. And, most importantly, I stop listening to what others said I needed, and I listened to myself. It is still a work in progress, but it's truly one of the most rewarding things in my life.

Once I cut out all the garbled noise, I was not able to fit into the molds of others anymore. There is no other mold. I am able to use my own determination to combat issues and come out on top as myself. (That self that doesn't do things just to please others and avoid issues and conflict.) Well, that is, if you truly want to. It isn't easy, but it's freeing. (No, not easy, and not something done quickly.)
So, why the heck am I writing this inspirational babble? Well, because I can, and because I have decided to add a category of posts to this blog that focus on Personal Growth. (As they post, you can access them by clicking the "Personal Growth" label link to the left.)

Why the heck would I want to write posts of this nature? Well, I'm no psychologist, but I am a firm believer that others' experiences are the best starting points in gathering any type of knowledge.

And well, the bottom dropped out for me a couple years ago. Blessed, I managed to climb back higher than I have been in 10 years to my present state. Maybe, by sharing these things, others can find something to which they can relate, or at least give food for thought. Also, it helps me to share. (I told you, I'm all about me. :P) This blog has become the most successful therapy for me. (And the only kind I could afford, ha.)

First step to ultimate success,
Nix the peaches,

Jenn