Becoming
By Resna Marie Brunson, MSC
What do you want to be when you grow up? Most of us were asked this question at some point in our lives. During high school and college commencement seasons, many students are expected to outline their next steps: “What college are you attending? Do you have a job lined up? Are you going to graduate school?” More often than not, many aren’t aware of the road they want to travel. To say, “I am in the process of becoming,” doesn’t seem like an acceptable answer.
Embracing the State of “Becoming”
“Becoming” is the present participle form of the verb “to be.” It signifies a continuous, ongoing state of existence. We are constantly becoming many things as we move through different states and seasons of life. For instance, I became a mom 30 years ago, but as I’ve parented toddlers, school-aged children, teens, and now adults, I am still becoming a mom. Oftentimes, we rush to the next step instead of resting and being present where we are. Many years ago, I saw a performance about the seasons of a woman’s life. In each phase, the girl or woman didn’t enjoy her current state and longed for the next, only to find it wasn’t what she had anticipated. At the end, the older woman reflected on her life, regretting not embracing each moment.
Finding Significance in Every Piece
Why does it seem so difficult to be content where we are? Why do we often want to rush ahead to what we think is “something better?” Perhaps we don’t see the significance in each of our states of being. When we examine a puzzle, we notice how each piece, regardless of its image—even a section of cloud or grass—occupies the same geometric area and is equally significant. If one piece is missing, we search for it because the puzzle is incomplete without it. Similarly, every event in our lives, good or bad, is a significant piece of our life’s puzzle. We would be incomplete without the hard, challenging, hurtful, and uncomfortable experiences.
Navigating Discomfort and Transition
Being comfortable with the uncomfortable is challenging. For some, the present feels too painful, making it seem impossible to grasp the here and now. “Becoming anything” feels better than staying exactly where they are. In such times, having someone to help process the ongoing phases and transitions in life can be incredibly helpful.
Ready to take the next step?
