Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of growing in silence.

A dear friend always shares this view, for she believes that it is crucial to grow without an audience. I wholeheartedly believe in this as well, for your growth becomes entirely your own. That in itself is a blessing.

In this day and age, we often find others posting about every little accomplishment and highlight of their lives. Don’t get me wrong, I am here for celebrating ourselves and what we’ve accomplished. That isn’t wrong.

However, I find that in doing so, many of us tend to compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. I, for one, have fallen so many times in this vice of comparison and thinking that I’m less than someone else because they’ve accomplished something I’ve always wanted to do.

I have grown resentment and bitter towards anyone else who have done so many marvelous things that I would only dream of doing. But what does that accomplish?

Nothing more than self-hatred and self-pity. I don’t know about you, but I’m learning that this isn’t how I want to live my life anymore. I no longer want to focus solely on how others and their lives, and instead, I want to use my time wisely in being the best version of myself.

I desire to grow in silence. I want to celebrate my “wins” and my “losses” in private, and when it is the right time to do so, I’ll celebrate it in public, too.

There is something so beautifully sacred in keeping your growth to yourself. We don’t need to share every little thing. Not everyone deserves access to you or your progress. That itself is entirely your own.