Acknowledging your growth fosters more growth. It’s especially nourishing for those of us who drive ourselves so hard to be whatever we’re striving to be.

Pull over to the side of your journey and look at how far you’ve come.

Look at how your beliefs have shifted. Start from ten years ago or further back, even.

How do you see the world differently now? What do you trust in more? What do you know to be true? Where did you used to scrimp where now you luxuriate? Where were you scared where now you’re confident? How have you started over or renovated your body, your opinions, your way of collaborating with the world? Whether you’ve crawled or quantum-leaped, what kind of free and strong are you as a result?

• I used to have glasses. And then I had laser eye surgery.

• I used to believe in soul mates, in “The One.” And then I learned that “The One” is “The One” because you say they are.

• I used to be angry and didn’t know why. (I think it was part of being tuned in to generations — centuries really — of the oppression of women.) Now I’m righteous but wholly in touch with my joy.

• In my twenties I WILLED it to happen. Now I allow it to happen.

• I used to need more ritual. Now I just want the peace that is available beyond gimmicks and beliefs (and I still love the power of conscious ritual).

• I no longer care if someone doesn’t agree with me. My heart is both softer and more resilient, and I also have much more room for opinions other than my own.

• I used to ’round up’, adding a little glow to the story here ‘n there. Now I relish the weightless cleanliness of precise and plain communication – which can still be done poetically.

• I used to think I had to earn my keep, sing for my supper. Now I follow my bliss and the feast finds me.

Life is always spiralling outward, upward, seeking it’s own creative edge. Ducklings turn into swans. Feminists turn into humanists. Hearts heal. The narrow expands.

Celebrate your evolution.