Meet Them Where They Are At: Embracing Timelines and Growth

Meet Them Where They're At: Embracing Timelines and Growth

Seeing potential in others has always been a double-edged sword for me. In my work as a dancer, choreographer, and educator, it’s something I’ve come to rely on. I thrive in the space of creativity, where I can help new talent discover their strengths, challenge them to grow, and find joy in watching them succeed. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing someone blossom, knowing that the work we put in together helped shape that transformation. And honestly, those moments are what keep me going, because let’s face it, not every day is filled with sparkles and success.

The Blessing and Challenge of Seeing Potential in Others

But, as much as I adore the beauty of seeing potential in others, I've realized that it’s not as simple as it may seem. It’s easy to get caught up in what could be, especially when you believe in someone’s abilities. And trust me, I’ve definitely made that mistake many times in the past. I’ve been in situations where I’ve gotten so wrapped up in what I thought could happen, pushing people or situations in a direction that they just weren’t ready for yet. My optimism and belief in their potential led me to expect more than they were able or willing to give at the time, and that caused frustration—for both them and me.

The Importance of Patience in Personal Growth

I’ve had to learn that belief in someone’s potential doesn’t automatically translate into them being ready to rise to that potential. Growth is a process that takes time. Just like a cookie, if you try to push the process, you’ll only end up with something incomplete. You need to give things time to develop at their own pace, to allow the ingredients to come together in just the right way.

Meeting People Where They Are: A Lesson in Understanding and Empathy

One of my best friends once told me, "Cookies take time to bake. No one likes a half-baked cookie." That little piece of advice has stuck with me because, in many ways, it captures the essence of what I’ve learned over time. Whether it’s a dancer mastering a new technique or a friend working through a personal challenge, growth takes time—and it’s not something you can rush. Just like a cookie, if you try to push the process, you’ll only end up with something incomplete. You need to give things time to develop at their own pace, to allow the ingredients to come together in just the right way.

Holding Space for Growth: Why We’re All on Our Own Timeline

Ultimately, meeting people where they’re at means embracing the reality of where they are, without forcing them to be something they’re not ready for. We’re all on our own timeline, and sometimes that means our journeys don’t align with others’ in the ways we might expect. Meeting people where they are isn’t about rushing things or pushing them to catch up to our pace. It’s about honoring where they are, and understanding that growth happens in its own time.

Balancing Support with Boundaries: Not Shrinking Yourself to Fit In

Meeting people where they are doesn’t mean shrinking yourself to accommodate them—it means respecting the space they’re in while holding your own ground. You can offer support and empathy without diminishing your own presence. It’s about finding the balance between offering help and maintaining your boundaries.

S.