Personal growth is something that normally occurs through our interaction with other people. Our relationships with others can hasten our growth and act as a mirror of our own current level of inner wisdom. At a certain point, however, if your personal growth is much higher than your society's growth as a whole, you may feel like a stranger in a strange land - in this world, but not of it.

For example, if you abhor violence, but when you turn on your television you see an overabundance of violent programming, you may feel out of place in a culture that thrives on the titillating and outrageous.

At work, you may feel emotionally removed from individuals who gossip, steal, or use underhanded methods to rise to the top of the organization. In fact, you may get along with others quite well, but feel like an outcast because of your unique personal philosophy.

The one time of year when your level of personal growth will dovetail that of society at large is during the holiday season - a time of caring, giving, and joy to everyone. The holidays fit you like a glove, because you practice loving behavior the rest of the year as well. You don't need a reminder to be kind, generous, and tolerant during the holiday season, because you make a habit of spreading your light to others as much as you can.

Following the path of personal growth can be lonely, some great thinkers say, because most people are going down another road altogether. It takes courage to stand alone, think for yourself, and act as a positive force in a world that too easily forgets about love and kindness.

It takes a strong individual to be a shining example for good when there are so many people ready to ignore the values of honesty and good character.

The good news is you are not alone in your quest to better your world. There are many other individuals of high personal growth who are making a difference, one person at a time. And the holidays are a wonderful reminder that we all have it within our hearts to love one another, without condition and without fail.

© Kathy Sanborn
Life Channels Staff Writer
All Rights Reserved

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