Our Growing Edges: A Reflection on Growth and Vulnerability

I recently came across the term “Growing Edges”, and it’s stayed with me. It refers to the boundary between our current comfort zone and the unknown, It’s in these moments where it feels like there is a dangerous opportunity to grow, and to build greater capacity for facing future challenges.

As a counsellor, I notice these edges not only in my clients but also in myself. They are part of the human experience, subtle, sometimes uncomfortable, but they shape your life's journey in ways that matter.

A bridge spans the gap between two cliff edges, symbolising the delicate balance between vulnerability and opportunity as we navigate our personal growth and challenges.

What do Growing Edges feel like?

Growing edges can show up in many ways. You might recognise them in moments like:

• The pause before speaking a difficult truth.

• The hesitation before setting a boundary.

• The discomfort of sitting with a feeling you'd rather avoid.

• The urge to withdraw, the fear of being seen, or the resistance to letting go.

  
  

These edges are not signs of failure or weakness, they are signs of emotional aliveness and potential.

Edges in Everyday Life

You don’t need to be in therapy to notice your growing edges. They appear in daily life:

• Saying no when you usually say yes.

• Asking for help when you’re used to coping alone.

• Feeling joy after a long period of numbness.

Whilst these moments may feel small, they are powerful indicators of change, self awareness, and new possibilities.

Noticing and Supporting Yourself at the Edge

If you’re standing at an edge right now, here are a few ways you can meet it:

1. Pause and breathe. Edges often come with heightened emotion. Take a moment to connect with your breath and your body.

2. Name it. Try saying, “I’m feeling uncertain,” or “I want to move forward, but I’m scared.” Naming your experience can bring clarity.

3. Stay curious. Ask yourself, What is this edge trying to teach me? What might be on the other side?

4. Seek support. You don’t have to navigate edges alone. A counsellor, trusted friend, or even a journal can help you explore safely.

   
   

Final Thoughts

An edge can feel dangerous, so the temptation is to hold it firmly in place, much like a safety barrier. In counselling, I walk alongside you as you meet your edges. I’m not here to force you past them, but to help you understand them, honour them, and move through them when you're ready, so that your growing edges might eventually feel more like a bridge that can connect you to deeper parts of yourself and to new possibilities.