You've always heard that phrase, in the movies, and from friends. You know, that classic line, "don't ever change." But is that honestly realistic if you think about it? Every day, we are constantly influenced by the world and others around us, how would it even be possible for us to not be affected by those things? You're right, it's not possible. How many of you can honestly say that you are the same person that you were 4 years ago or even last week? Everyone has gone through something that has changed them in a way that they could never go back to the person that they once were.
Throughout our lives, we encounter different events that can really shape the way that we look at the world, our views on certain things, and even ourselves. All of these things are shaping us to be who we are meant to be. Of course, we don't want the people that we love to turn into drug addicts or someone who isn't kind to others, but they are going to change regardless of how many times you tell them to never change. We're always changing, every day; growing and evolving into a better version of ourselves. Not to be cliche, but life is a journey of self-discovery. What you like, what you don't like, what you think about certain topics and even the music that you listen to. All of it is constantly changing. Sometimes we do change and it isn't for the better, but we come to our senses eventually, fix our mistakes, and learn from them. But the real question is, why do we feel the need to tell other people, "don't ever change"?
Is it because we don't want them to stop acting the way that we have always known them to or because we are afraid that they will go off into the world and leave us behind? Other times I think it's simply because we worry about them and we don't want them to change from the loving and caring human being that we have always known them to be. But you know what? That's life. Sometimes we do need a break from the person that we are. We need to give another version of ourselves a chance to shine and grow; show the world the new us. One who is stronger, smarter, and knows no boundaries.
Heartbreak can really change a person. For so long you had this constant thing in your life that made you feel like the luckiest person in the world. They made you feel loved, happy, important, special, and a whole host of other things. Then in an instant, it all changes and you're left with nothing but a shell of who you once were. You close yourself off to emotion and have trouble opening up to other people after that. You've changed. You've changed in order to protect your heart from not getting broken again. You put up a wall that you dare another person to try and break down in order to really get to know who you are inside. And that's okay.
Friendships can change you. Studies show that you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So choose those people wisely. The people you surround yourself with are a good reflection of who you are as a person. Sometimes you grow out of friendships and realize that maybe you and the other person weren't really that compatible as friends.
In the end, change can really be for the better. I can honestly say that I love the person that I have become over the years and I look at each experience that has gotten me to this point in a positive way. If we were meant to stay the same throughout our whole lives then what would be the point?
"We all change, when you think about it, we're all different people; all through our lives, and that's okay, that's good, you've gotta keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be." -Doctor Who
