Growth hides in discomfort.

When things feel heavy—like a test you don’t understand, a friendship that’s changing, or the first time you try something new—it’s easy to think you’re stuck. I want you to remember that discomfort doesn’t mean you’re broken; it often means you’re growing. Think about how a seed pushes through soil: it’s dark and tight at first, but that pressure helps the plant find the sunlight. People are a little like that too. The hard moments are not signs that you should give up; they’re the soil and the pushing that help you become stronger, kinder, and more capable than before.

Short, simple phrases can act like tiny flashlights when the path ahead looks confusing. They don’t fix everything, but they help you see one small step at a time. Try saying one to yourself quietly when you’re worried or frustrated. You might discover that the words change how you feel and what you choose to do next. Some phrases are especially good at helping us breathe, calm down, and try again:

• "This is hard, and I can try."
• "One small step is enough."
• "Mistakes are practice, not proof."
• "Feelings come and go; I can notice them."
• "I’m braver than I think."
• "It’s okay to ask for help."
• "I’m learning, even if it’s messy."

Besides repeating a phrase, there are simple things you can do in the moment. Naming how you feel—“I’m angry,” “I’m sad,” “I feel nervous”—can make big feelings a little less scary. Try taking three slow breaths or counting to five while you breathe out; it helps your body relax so your brain can think more clearly. Break big problems into tiny tasks. If your homework feels impossible, pick one page or one question. If talking to a new kid feels scary, say hi first, then ask a question about something they like. Celebrate the small wins: finishing one problem, saying hello, or staying calm for just ten minutes. Those little successes add up.

Remember that everyone else has awkward, hard, and confusing moments too—even people who seem like they’ve got it all together. It helps to tell someone how you’re feeling: a parent, a teacher, a coach, or a friend. Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a smart way to learn faster and feel less alone. When you look back in a few months or years, many of the times that felt awful will be the stories you tell about how you learned something important.

Growth hides in discomfort because the uncomfortable stuff makes you try new things, practice new ways of coping, and learn what matters most to you. Keep gentle words ready, take tiny steps, and ask for help when you need it. You’re practicing the skill of becoming more you, and that’s one of the bravest things anyone can do.