When we humans grow, we tend to resemble pendulums.
If we were too this, we become, for a time, too that. And then we may become too this again, but a little less. And so the pendulum swings.
It just happens. We cannot stop abruptly in the center, perfectly balanced, on the first go-round. Growth is messy.
Your pendulum may have been wound way up from a lifetime of hurt, fear, judgment, or repression. When it swings hard in the other direction–and it will–accept yourself. You are growing.
If I focused too little on my own needs, growth may look for a while like focusing “too much” on myself.
If you were too gentle and repressed, growth make look for a while like expressing anger “too much.”
If I had too much reckless “fun” as a young adult, growth may look for a while like “too much” inhibition.
If you stuffed your emotions deep down inside when you were a kid, growth may look for a while like “too much” crying.
If I always controlled my appetite with negative self-talk and judgment, growth may look for a while like “too much” ALL THE cookies.
Growth is messy. Your pendulum will swing.
When your pendulum swings, remember that it is only a pendulum–it will swing back toward balance. It’s okay.
And remember to let yourself grow, to trust that process, to hold your new self with compassion.
Accept your pendulum.
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