Updated 11.6.23: In a previous blog post, I shared my two focus words for the new year 2022. At the time, those two words were ‘growth and transition’. It’s funny how those two words are still so relevant today. Perhaps they will resonate with you too especially if you are navigating a season of change in your Scholarly Mama life right now.
In this blog post, I wanted to dive a little bit deeper into what these two words, ‘growth and transition’, meant for me and why I chose them back then.
So let me dive right in!
If you prefer to listen to this blog post as a podcast, feel free to use the player below:
What growth and transition are you talking about?
I know. I know what you’re thinking…
Perhaps where you are in the world, it maybe a terrible time for gardening. It maybe too hot right now where you are, or even too cold! But here in the UK it’s spring time and therefore, the perfect time for getting out into the garden (one of my favourite places to spend my time).
However, even if it’s too hot or too cold, the plants continue to occupy their spaces with patience and content until the conditions become ideal for growth.
Likewise as a garden lover, we maybe forced to patiently wait for the appointed time to give our plants some TLC.
When the pot no longer suits…
Speaking of garden TLC, have you ever noticed how plant pots become unfit for purpose after a while?
Isn’t it interesting how a plant pot seems the right fit in the early stages, when all that’s required is a bit of water, sunshine and air for that plant to thrive happily in its pot?
These may seem like the glory days!
Until it’s the season for growth, of course…
As it grows within that small pot, it eventually reaches a point where the growth slows. Suddenly, that pot that felt like the perfect match, doesn’t seem a good fit anymore.
The plant is no longer thriving. Instead, it begins to stagnate.
What the problem, you ask?
The guilt begins to sink in. You think to yourself that maybe you are not cut out for this plant care thing. Maybe you don’t have those ‘green fingers’. I mean, you can’t you even get a single plant to grow properly, right?
This is negative self-talk and it is not helpful.
Maybe consider that the plant may require a transition in order to grow? Perhaps the time has come for that plant to shift a bit.
A bigger and deeper pot perhaps?
Or new soil in the open ground?
Maybe the roots need a shake up so they can fulfil their purpose of absorbing water more efficiently. Perhaps the earth’s axis has shifted as spring and summer come in, changing the direction of the light source. Maybe the leaves need to point in a new direction in order to reach the light, to grow and flourish.
The plant wants to grow and thrive to its full potential but it can’t do so in that small pot. Because the small pot is no longer fit for purpose.
The plant requires a transition to thrive.
When the seasons change, so do the needs of the plant. But the plant knows this and adapts. Nature has taught the plant when to dig deep roots and when to shift focus in preparation for growth.
But nature’s secret is knowing the difference!
When is it time for growth and transition?
When it’s time for growth and transition, you will know!
You know, I remember reading a blog post some time ago and the person was saying in that blog post that if you’re not growing, then you’re dying essentially.
Growth is an act of self-preservation.
And so, I interpret that as that I need to always prioritise my personal growth and development. I need to continue to challenge myself to dream and think big. I need to continue to do the things that help me to feel that I am achieving my own version of success.
In doing so, I am growing.
In doing that, in becoming all that I can be, I am growing. As Scholarly Mamas, we deserve to grow. We deserve to become everything that we can be. We deserve to be better than we were yesterday and the only way we can do that is by prioritising our personal growth.
I hope that as you read this blog post, that you think about the areas of your life in which you feel the need to expand, or refine, or develop because as I read in that blog post, if you are not growing, you’re dying.
So bring on the new pots!
So Mama, on that note, I challenge you to imagine that you and I are the plants in this metaphor.
Sometimes we need new pots in order to grow. Sometimes we have to challenge ourselves in new ways to realise our worth, learn what we’re truly capable of (or good at) and have greater impact in the world.
The pandemic taught us how to challenge ourselves to grow in new spheres and for me, this next season of my life will be about making some necessary changes in order to grow further in the direction of my purpose.
The seeds of doubt and fear won’t be holding me back from my journeys of becoming ALL I am meant to be.
There is no longer space in my garden for negative self-talk and limiting beliefs to take root.
I want to step even further out of my comfort zone moving forward!
So bring on the new pots!
What’s holding you back?
If you have big dreams for this season of your life, but are reluctant to believe those dreams can become a reality for you because of your circumstances, I am here to encourage you.
I challenge you to ask yourself “what’s holding me back from starting my next journey of becoming?”
It’s possible to become more intentional about what you want and exactly how you are going to go about making it happen.
And not some airy fairy daydream that last all of five minutes! I’m talking bold, intentional steps towards your purpose.
Maybe you’re just about keeping your head above water at the minute, caught between a rock and a hard place and feeling tugged by all of your priorities at once, or perhaps just making ends meet in certain areas of your life.
Perhaps you are running on empty as a Scholarly Mama, showing up every day and looking after your family despite getting the little sleep you get. Maybe you’re juggling several balls at once, desperately trying not to drop and break any of them.
Whatever your circumstances, I challenge you to go beyond just blooming where you’re planted and consider transitioning to where you can really grow and thrive!
Becoming purposefully whole is still the goal
And don’t worry about having to make big ‘boss’ moves, ‘baby steps’ will take you there too! A daily commitment to small increments of equally powerful internal work, towards becoming the best version of yourself, is enough.
Taking on mindset shifts and adopting new perspectives is indeed a bold, first step. Then, writing these goals down will help to give them some life and longevity so that even when the novelty of New Year has worn off, you remain focussed on what you are working towards.
Only you know where you need to be. Only you know what makes your heart sing.
In keeping with the inspiration from the garden, remember that the ideal blend of air, light and water necessary for you to grow and thrive is different for everyone.
Perhaps it’s time for you to learn a new skill or follow a long-time passion of yours? Maybe you want to tap into your creativity? I became a children’s book author to help me do this!
If you want to check out my Doodle Dozen children’s book series, you can do so at doodledozen.com.
Maybe you want to make more time in the day for self-care and gratitude? Perhaps pursuing a purposeful Scholarly Mama life is on the cards for you. Maybe you just want to make more time for your spouse and family, to actually be present and cherish the simple moments without stress and guilt?
Perhaps you want to create your own little corner of the internet and share your story to help others so that you can have a greater impact in the world?
Maybe it’s being more intentional about your time and reducing the overwhelm by becoming more organised and simplifying your to-do lists. The MMPhD Planner can help you make a start with that.
But remember that becoming purposefully whole is still the goal. With that in mind, I believe you can find your way to a place of peace, joy and fulfilment, no matter your starting point.
Over to you!
What does becoming purposefully whole look like for you? What growth and transition would you like to work towards? Can you take some intentional steps now to help you make a start?
One first step might be finding out what your purposeful Scholarly Mama trait might be! Take our 3-5 minute quiz below to find out how you can get started in making some tiny changes that might have a huge positive impact on your life.
I hope you will find it helpful in getting your new season off to a good start!
Remember, these are our journeys of becoming!
This actually a really fitting time to read this post. I am in the transition period now and realising that my “current pot” has been outgrown. It is refreshing and lets me know it’s time to move on. Even if my steps are small, they are still steps going forward rather than being stagnant.
Oh, I am so glad to know you were able to take something away from this post. I wish you all the joy in the world as you embark on a new journey of positive change and discovery.