Evolution

Whether we want to or not, whether we realize it or not, we are always evolving into new versions of ourselves. We can’t help it!

Even on a basic biological level, our bodies change and grow as time goes on. Once we’re adults, we no longer have the body of a child because our physical form has evolved.

And as we go through new stages of life, emotionally, we are always becoming new versions of ourselves, too. The change might not be drastic, and it might happen over time, but it does happen.

These changes are important to pay attention to because we can influence who we are at each of these stages, but only if we’re choosing to be conscious creators of our lives.

For example, when you have a child, you are now evolving into a parent, but you get to pick what kind of parent you’ll evolve into. Are you going to structure your life so that you are able to be present at all of your kids’ events, or will you choose to work harder than ever to provide a greater financial cushion for them?

Neither of those choices is right nor wrong; they just are what they are. The point is that you get to choose the path you want to take.

Too often, we let life happen to us without taking into account that we have a part in it, and maybe most importantly, we often fail to find joy in that creation.

Life has ups and downs and twists and turns, unexpected headwinds and tailwinds. Each of those moments leaves an indelible imprint on us and helps us choose who we will evolve into next.

The best part about evolution is that we are never done. It’s never “too late,” and regrets have no place in the picture. Whether your life choices were conscious or subconscious, you made them for a reason, and acknowledging that will help you in the future.

“Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life.”

—Deborah Day

Let’s use the parenting example again because even if you aren’t a parent, you had a parent or parental figure in your life.

If you choose to be the parent who’s around all of the time and forego more lucrative career opportunities, then you may end up having a close relationship with your child, but also face more financial hardship when it comes to things like affording their college and your own retirement. Or if you chose to be the parent who worked 60 hours per week and wasn’t around much, then your child may be financially set for life, but you’ll have missed out on opportunities to watch them grow up.

The point is that there is no perfect choice, no perfect path, and within those paths, you are still always evolving in other ways. Along the way, you may discover new interests, visit new places where you want to live, learn a new language, etc.

Life is full of surprises and opportunities for us to “choose our own adventure,” and while doing that, we can keep in mind the question, “Does this get me closer to the person I want to evolve into?”

Because here’s the truth: if you don’t have an idea of who you ideally want to evolve into, then it can often feel like life is happening to you and it’s out of control. But that’s never the truth.

You are always a participant in your evolution — no matter what life throws at you.

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Whether you get an unexpected health diagnosis, you lose a job, you experience a death, etc., you still have the ability to choose how you meet that moment. With an idea in mind of the person you want to evolve into, ask yourself how you can respond to the moment that will be most aligned with the version you want to be.

Spend some time thinking about who you want to be in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. What kind of lives do those versions of yourself look like? How do they act towards themselves and towards others? How do they spend their free time? Ask yourself these questions so you can start getting some direction on where you’re going. And if the answer changes along the way, that’s fine! It reflects the evolution in your current life.

Can you do one thing today to help yourself begin aligning with the version of you that you want to be?

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