Photography by Jackie Hicks

Michelle Greer

~ Attorney at Law ~

​​“A Journey Within Is Always Preceded By A Journey Without”

How often do we as human beings ask ourselves why me? Why now? Why this? Why that? If we become truly cognizant of our thoughts, words, actions and/or inaction; the answer is: quite often. For many, the answer is: every day. Here’s a thought, change even at it’s very best is never totally comfortable; neither is growth. And what is growth? Simply put, It’s change. But no matter how painful or challenging; as difficult as it is to believe and accept, growth is never bad. By design, it is intended to assist us in reaching our highest potential. Now just how does this happen? Well, contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t happen through our gains but through our pains and perceived losses.  I say perceived because nothing that “IS” is ever truly lost. Nevertheless, these losses are very real to us all and they provoke feelings of lack, inadequacy, emptiness, and hopelessness.  This is where the “Journey Without” begins. It sinks us into the deepest parts of ourselves, forcing us to see, feel, and think about things that we often would not and to examine them in ways that we often would not. Although taking longer for some than others, it is here at the cross roads where the “Journey Within” naturally takes over. I say naturally because more often than not it happens spontaneously on a subconscious level.  And while some will argue that their enlightenment caused this “Journey Within” to occur consciously as opposed to subconsciously, it is indeed growth itself that makes this possible. Consider this universal truth: Our lives as human beings regardless of our differences is replete with the personal feelings and manifest experiences of loss. It is as inevitable as change. Therefore, life itself is always presenting us with opportunities to reach our highest potential. And how do we achieve this?  By welcoming and embracing growth. The conscious process of going within has become quite cliche, but it is the door that we must all enter in order to truly reach our highest potential. To be clear, this isn’t a final destination like obtaining a new job or degree. Reaching our highest potential is the process by which we experience the fullness of life. It is this process that enables us to identify our life’s purpose; teaches and provides us with tools and resources to fulfill that purpose, and presents us with the opportunities to do just that. And it exists for the duration of our lives. Some refer to it as the sum measure of our lives. That is, a life fulfilled is a life experienced. So the next time life inevitably presents you with perceived losses, remember that a journey within is always preceded by a journey without. Amidst the pain and challenge, growth abounds. Welcome it. Embrace it. And remember, reaching our highest potential was always intended to be a process. A life experienced is indeed a life fulfilled. I wish myself and each of you happy journeying.


By Michelle Greer

Attorney, Divorce Coach & Mediator
​Phone: 443.847.9155