By Wouter (Contributor, Culture of Awareness), Simply Syntropic, July 12, 2015 (Original post date: July 7, 2015)

Have you ever heard of Chinese bamboo? For the first several years the plant is no taller than our hand. Despite all the nutrition it receives it does not seem to grow. Then suddenly, one year, it shoots out of the ground, growing meters tall in a matter of weeks.

It turns out, all these years it had been growing it’s roots underground, hidden away from the naked eye, preparing itself for its ultimate transformation.

In our lives it can often seem as if we are not making much progress, despite our best efforts to transform ourself into our best selves. Frustrating as it may be, keep going, because your efforts are definitely worth it. For now you are just transforming on the inside. It doesn’t show yet on the outside, but it will.

You are just like this beautiful plant. You are growing on the inside, grounding yourself, before showing your true self to the outside world.

If you do ever feel overwhelmed and uncertain if your efforts are worth it, try and find some proof that you are. One simple technique is to make a list of all the things you are proud of having done, however small they are. Even if it is washing the dishes.

How does this work for you? Do you have other methods to become aware of your hidden growth?

About the author:

Wouter- bitten by a butterfly at age three- is a lifelong learner, travel fanatic, an award-winning over thinker and is living the life of his dreams as a bushpilot and freelance writer. He gives practical, down to earth advice about discovering your passion in life and finding happiness in day-to-day living.