Growth is one the most unexpected things that one could ever experience
One day you love certain things
Then it seems as if the next day
Those same things that brought you so much joy and happiness
Seem to disappear in the night
For one never sees it coming
The people you were so excited to be around
So sad and disappointed when they went away
But when those same people appear again
You question why you even wanted to around them in the first place
Yet many will never understand it
Often saying you are acting differently
Or magically thinking you are better than the person you use to be
And in reality
They are right
You are better than the person you use to be
You will face criticism
For growth is not something that they have accomplished yet
And for some
Growth is something that is not attainable because they refuse to leave their comfort zone
Yet for whatever reason
You changed
You grew
Being around them makes you feel as if you are taking a step back in life
A place that you fought so hard to leave
A place that no longer suits you
You have to stay focused
Keeping your mind in line to where you are going
Remembering where you came from
For the old you served a purpose
Now the new you
The you that is continuing to take this journey
A journey that is unpredictable
A journey that will continue to change you
Is a journey that will not allow everyone or everything to go with you
Some will be a joy to let go
But others will break your heart as you free yourself
Yet you have to hold firm to the understanding that
If they are hindering you or interrupting your peace
Their place in your life has expired
And one should never fear the expiration date of anything or anyone
For everything has one
Even you
Lacresha Dowdy is a graduate of Clinton High School, Piedmont Technical College, and Claflin University in Orangeburg. Since December, 2009, she has been the City of Clinton Municipal Court clerk of court, and also is a Community Relations Specialist with the city.