September is here! Summer is ending, and autumn is on its way (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere). It’s beginning to be my favorite time of year. I love the weather changes, the leaves, and everything that comes with this time of year.

And while this time of year is not always conducive for growing plants, it is not the only form of growth that can happen. Every time of year is perfect for personal growth. And I definitely feel that I’ve been doing lots of growth. I’m always still working on me and on things that I can improve.

Growing isn’t always large or loud. Sometimes it’s in the quiet responses. Sometimes you don’t even notice it until a situation arises. For example, I had something upset me the other day. I’m okay, but this is a situation that similar things have happened in years past. I allowed myself to be upset about the things that were occurring, but then I figured it out. It still stings, but it doesn’t upset me nearly as bad as it used to.

I know that I’m being vague with the situation. That’s intentional. The situation isn’t important. What is more important to me is my response to that situation. I’m an emotional person. I wear my heart on my sleeve and show my emotions freely. So the fact that the upsetting situation didn’t have such a lasting effect on me is proof that I have grown.

We don’t all grow to be big trees that tower over everything and everyone. Some of us are flowers that make the meadow brighter. But your size does not determine your importance. The world needs both flowers and trees. My growth is not comparable to someone else’s. Your growth is yours.

While my situation was minor in the grand scheme of things, being able to overcome it the way that I did was huge for me. It shows that I am growing and learning. It shows that I am getting better.

I am not a therapist. I don’t know what growth looks like for you. Every situation is different. Sometimes it’s something as obvious as crossing a finishing line, and other times it is reading one more page. Growth is loud and growth is quiet. The world doesn’t have to watch you grow.

I don’t know what you’re growing through. I don’t know what obstacles present themselves in your way. But I do know that it is so necessary to grow. It is necessary to change and adapt. If you stay as a seed your whole life, you’ll never know what beauty or great things you’re capable of. A seed’s purpose is to grow. The plants they grow into may have different purposes, but the seeds themselves just need to grow. But you can’t become a mighty oak tree without growing out of your seed first.

Whatever you’re going through or whatever you’ve been through, I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of work to be you, and it’s been a long journey. But I am here, and you are here. We’re still growing. It may be at different paces, but growing is so exciting. So keep going. And keep growing.