Embracing Change: The Transformational Power of Acknowledging Personal Growth

Self-reflection is a powerful practice that can transform our lives in many ways. By enhancing self-awareness, promoting personal growth, fostering emotional intelligence, encouraging mindfulness, and empowering decision-making, it equips us with the tools we need to navigate life’s journey with greater purpose and fulfillment. So, take a moment each day to pause, reflect, and embark on the journey. The insights and growth you gain will be well worth the effort. Don't let your fear of what other people think get in the way of you accomplishing your goals. If you are only doing what you think will make other people happy, that's a quick way to lose yourself and lose sight of what's really important; you.

A year ago, I was sitting in my studio apartment in Denver, had a very comfortable career; one that had plenty of rides in the company's private jet, could attend practically any sporting event or concert in my company's suite, and had a very happy social life. I felt like I had it all, except the fact that I was in a field that I hated, mourning a relationship I thought would’ve been my last, and having difficulty growing out of my comfort zone.

My issue was that I was too comfortable—is that even such a thing? I wasn’t too happy because I was happy but not fulfilled, and there is a huge difference. I was an environmental engineer with no real succession path or development plan. I was only working where I was because of the benefits my job brought me, but it did not get me closer to achieving my goals. It only gave me temporary happiness that I knew I would one day look back on and regret only having fun and not focusing more on a plan to grow. One could say I self-sabotaged, but I say I took a leap of faith, trusting that things would work out if I started somewhere else, in my third state alone, and that if things were meant to be, then they would fall into place.

Within two months of job searching, I found my current company and had a relocation offer I couldn’t beat. I knew, though, that it’d mean staying in the same field as the one I was previously in, except that I wouldn’t have the environmental piece, which was my passion—I would only have the health and safety side. I knew that in order to grow in my field and in order to get to Washington, I would have to give up my comfort of being in a field I excelled in. I would have to get rid of the "corporate" title, the lounges, the jet, the heels, the work from home days, the travel and exploring days, everything I knew in Colorado.

I knew when I moved that I would be a small fish in a very large pond, giving up my top-of-the-company, corporate comfort for a factory-level corporate position. I knew I would lose my title I worked so hard to get, Environmental Engineer—something I was so proud of the first time I got my business cards that read, "Mariah Rivera, 24-year-old, Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, Corporate Environmental Engineer." The words "Corporate Environmental Engineer" meant so much to someone who had achieved far more than just that title. I hyper-fixated on it before I moved because the term "Specialist" sounded so demeaning after having an Engineering title for three years. I let my fear of what other's would think get in the way of what I knew would help me grow. I also let a boy get in the way of a clear vision of whether or not this opportunity was the best for me.

Looking back now a year later, I wouldn't change a thing because it has led me on the path I'm on now; a Seattle Women's Commissioner, Head of Volunteering for the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, and still deciding what my career path looks like short term. I have found a community, friends, leaders, a better relationship with my family and lastly myself. I have lost quite a few friends in this past year, some hurting more than others, but I wouldn't change a thing. I am proud of myself for jumping in, diving headfirst and saying what's meant for me, will be and what's not, will not stay.

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Remember, it’s never too late to take a leap of faith and make changes that align with your true passions and goals. Embrace the discomfort, trust the process, and watch as your life transforms in ways you never imagined.

Here are 5 reasons why self reflection is so powerful:

1. Enhances Self-Awareness

Self-reflection is a mirror that allows us to see ourselves more clearly. By taking the time to look inward, we can gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This heightened self-awareness helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses, recognize patterns in our actions, and understand our motivations. When we know ourselves better, we can make more informed decisions and align our actions with our true values and goals.

2. Promotes Personal Growth

Growth begins with acknowledging where we are and where we want to be. Self-reflection provides a space for honest evaluation and introspection. It allows us to assess our progress, celebrate our achievements, and identify areas for improvement. By regularly reflecting on our experiences, we can learn from our mistakes, refine our strategies, and continually evolve into the best version of ourselves.

3. Fosters Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions and empathize with the emotions of others. Self-reflection enhances our emotional intelligence by helping us become more attuned to our feelings and reactions. When we reflect on our emotional responses, we can better understand the triggers behind them and develop healthier ways to cope with stress and challenges. This, in turn, leads to more meaningful and harmonious relationships with others.

4. Encourages Mindfulness and Presence

In a world that often pulls us in a million directions, self-reflection encourages us to slow down and be present. It is an opportunity to disconnect from external distractions and reconnect with our inner selves. By being mindful of our thoughts and feelings, we can cultivate a sense of peace and clarity that allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease. This mindfulness not only enhances our overall well-being but also improves our ability to focus and be productive.

5. Empowers Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

When faced with important decisions or complex problems, self-reflection can be a valuable guide. By taking the time to reflect on our options, consider different perspectives, and weigh the potential outcomes, we can make more thoughtful and informed choices. Self-reflection helps us tap into our intuition and inner wisdom, enabling us to find creative solutions and approach challenges with confidence.