“Change can be difficult, but it’s how we grow. It can be the hardest thing to realize you cannot hold onto something forever. Sometimes you have to let it go.”
Amphibia, The Hardest Thing
Throughout her journey in the show Amphibia, Anne Boonchuy, the protagonist, learns to overcome the hardships of her new life, embracing a version of herself she never imagined. However, at the end of her journey, she faces an even harsher reality: the life she has known and built for herself has come to an end. She must leave everything she has established and move on to the next phase of her life. Anne’s journey symbolizes the harsh reality of existence and the inevitability of change.
Change is the only constant in life. In all phases of our lives—as children, adolescents, adults, or the elderly—we constantly encounter obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. Throughout our lives, we often believe we have reached a level of maturity that cannot be surpassed, only to have that belief shattered at various points. To overcome these challenges, it is vital for us to adapt to new circumstances, reflect on our lives, and carve out a new path forward. To change in the face of the unknown is to grow.
Embracing change is easier said than done. Change can take many forms: letting go, forgiveness, acknowledgment, and acceptance. Committing to growth requires us to welcome and experience change in all its forms.
What often hinders us from making such commitments is our inner dialogue. To combat these negative narratives, we must learn to reflect upon and resist defeatist thoughts, a task that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Questioning ourselves, testing our beliefs, and not taking every thought as objective truth are essential for our growth.
It’s important to remember that change does not occur overnight. While we may experience an epiphany in a single moment, the path to change is one we must actively create for ourselves, day in and day out. The efforts we put in on our toughest days contribute to our growth.
Growth is typically slow and relentless; it requires us to repeatedly pick ourselves up, heal our wounds, and get back on track. It may take days, weeks, months, or even years, but it is always possible.
“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go”
Author – Mr. Prateek Kandari
