WOW by Char ~ Ever-Evolving

Ever-Evolving

That was you then, but who are you now?

By Chardonnay Beaver – chardonnaybeaver.com

One of my dearest friends is at a crossroads in her life. She has to decide whether to remain who she’s always been, where she’s always been, surrounded by who she’s always known—or lean into who she’s becoming.

Whether you’re in your 70s or your late teens, we all face this moment. Depending on your perspective, a crossroads can either be a launching pad or a setback.

When talking with my friend, I encouraged her to reflect on the past twelve months. Who are you now? How have you learned to embrace—even love—this version of yourself? Is it possible that tomorrow can’t look like yesterday, simply because you’ve changed?

Transformation always sounds beautiful in theory—until it begins to cost you. It costs friendships. It costs comfort. And suddenly, you find yourself in a lane of your own. But if you’re willing to embrace it, the right community will eventually find you. My friend isn’t quite at that stage yet.

Right now, choosing the familiar creates tension. But tension is good. Don’t run from it. That inner wrestling never existed before because she never considered another way. Yet God is intentional about creating scenarios that require us to lay down who we’ve been in exchange for who He created us to become.

That afternoon, I watched her wrestle. I saw her weigh herself against the fear of abandonment. I listened as she wrestled with her fears and the consequences of following them. I heard her question whether to settle for where she is—or to reach for more.

She is learning to choose purpose over passivity, and courage over comfort. The key word is learning. For most of her life, she’s only known one way. Now, she has options. And I hope she chooses herself.

Words of Wisdom by Char of The Week: Whether you find yourself in my position or my friend’s, I encourage you to keep evolving. That’s the beauty of transformation—you always get to choose. Don’t sit back and be passive about your destiny. Lives are connected to your purpose. Rise up, lean in, and don’t stop now.