Stay.

I recently stumbled upon a quote that said "It's hard to turn to the next page when you already know your favorite character is going to vanish." It really struck me.

We all know people come into our lives for a reason. We learn something from them, we grow from our experiences with them. They may be here for awhile or quickly go, but either way, we are never the same. Either they will change your life, or you will change theirs. Maybe {hopefully} both. In my life I've met a lot of people who have helped me grow -- personally, spiritually, and professionally. I like to call them guides. Some have imparted wisdom. Some have made a conscious effort to teach me. Some have come and gone not even realizing the lessons they've taught me.

Some of my life lessons have definitely been disguised as struggles but I wouldn't change that. The times of adversity and the times when we experience the most discomfort are the times we change and grow the most. I was praying with a friend recently when she used the phrase "See the beauty in the struggle." I loved that. There is always beauty in the struggle. Even if we don't see it clearly at the time, it will become clear in the end. It is enough that we grew from the challenge and are a better person and in a better place because of it. That's beautiful in and of itself.

But sometimes there's even more beauty to recognize -- the ability we gain to let go of the person that put us in the position to learn that lesson. It is really hard to let go of someone who has been a part of your life. It takes time. It is really hard to accept that maybe they are one of these characters in your life story who has served their purpose and now must go. It feels terrible when that person goes before you've grasped the lesson they were sent here to teach you. But once you get there, to that point of clarity and awareness, it becomes much easier to let them go. Once you've achieved that, it kind of feels like being set free.

The guides in my life that have been positive influences have tended to stay around. I haven't really had to let them go. I keep connected with them because they inspire me, they keep me accountable. We continue to grow and learn together. These guides have consciously helped me. Those who have been my teachers without realizing it, they are the ones that have come and gone. And rightfully so. They've tended to be individuals who wouldn't be conducive to the happy, productive life I want to live. It would have been toxic to have them here for the long-haul. Even still, they are the ones most hard to let go of and say goodbye to. You just don't realize it at the time that they need to go. It's hard to understand while you're going through it. But, they need to leave. Whether you're ready for them to or not. That's the only way you can fully learn what they were sent to teach you.

But what's new for me is this: an excellent, positive, conscious guide that leaves before you're ready to turn the page. I recognize the beauty in this struggle. I recognize that this person came into my life just long enough to light a fire, to fill me to the brim with inspiration, to the point that I have no choice but to do something about it. That is awesome and I'm thankful for that. But I really am sad that they had to go so soon. Why couldn't they be here to see me through? To see the results of the positive way they've changed my life? To see the impact they've made? It doesn't make sense now, but hopefully it will someday. Someday I will understand. I want to move to the next page as this person inspired me to do. But, it's a little bittersweet because turning the page means letting go. I really hate that. I hate saying goodbye to one of my favorite characters. It's like the sad feeling you get when a really good book comes to an end.