Between Sizes: How to Handle Growing Pains When You're Leveling Up

Ever feel like you're wearing someone else's life?

Like you've outgrown your old self but haven't quite figured out who the new you is supposed to be?

Girl, same! Let me tell you about my current situation - I'm in this weird "between sizes" phase of life and it's a doozy:

Okay, so I’ve been on this transformative journey of pursuing anything and everything that scares me. Fear is a central part of my life, but I’ve learned to adapt to it. Instead of being crippled by fear, I’m guided in spite of it.

With no prior experience, industry connections or knowledge of the entertainment business, I left my fulltime government job to write stories! Lol, yes.. I did that: packed up my shit, went to LA and my only regret was that I didn’t do it sooner. I’m still very much in the transition phase bouncing back and forth (baby, this ain’t for the faint of heart).

My circle, my family, my friends are much like the older version of me; the play-it-safe version of me, and I love them, but I’ve never felt more disconnected.

For anyone else experiencing these growing pains, WTF do we do?

The Uncomfortable Growth Spurt

I like to compare this time to hitting the metaphorical "gym of personal development". Your old life? It's like those jeans that just don't fit anymore. But finding new ones that feel right? That's unlocks a whole new can of worms:

Where do I shop now?

How do I get there?

Is this new store in my current budget?

Should I even be investing in a brand new wardrobe while I’m still changing?

Signs You're Having a Personal Growth Spurt

• Small talk feels smaller than ever (and kind of exhausting)

• Your friends' drama doesn't hit the same way it used to

• You're excited about your path but sometimes feel lonely on it

• You catch yourself thinking "I can't believe I used to..." a lot

Navigating the In-Between

1. Embrace the Awkward Stage: Just like that weird growing-out-your-bangs phase, this transition period isn't meant to be pretty. It's meant to be transformative.

2. Audit Your Consistency: Are you pouring energy into things that actually matter? Sometimes we're consistent with the wrong things because they're comfortable, not because they're right.

3. Find Your New Tribe: Join online communities*, take classes, or attend workshops where your new interests and behaviours are the norm, not the exception.

4. Document Your Journey: Start journaling or voice-noting** your progress. Future you will thank you for these breadcrumbs of growth!

When Your Old Circle Doesn't Get It

It's okay to feel disconnected from old friends. You're not being snobby by outgrowing situations that no longer serve you. Different season, different reasons!

Practical Tips for the Transition

• Set aside "exploration hours" each week to try new things, even if you're doing it alone

• Create a "growth budget" - $50 a month towards courses or books*** can make a difference

• Find a mentor or coach or even a slightly ahead peer works

• Practice saying "I'm exploring new directions" instead of apologizing for changing

For the Road:

This awkward "between sizes" phase? It's actually a good sign. It means you're growing and evolving into YOU. The discomfort is your comfort zone waving goodbye.

We’re out here trying on new versions of ourselves and that takes big time balls.

Love ya!

Cas

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*Join my Discord Group! It's an online workgroup for artists and entrepreneurs

** “Voicenote Besties” - if you wanna tune into elements of my journey and things I’m learning along the way… buckle up buttercup (SPOTIFY | APPLE)

*** Digital Workbooks that will help with clarity and direction