To live, a snake must continuously outgrow itself. If it doesn't shed its old skin, it will perish.

We are no different. We grow not only physically from childhood to old age, but with every new stage in life, with every new experience and new perspective. It doesn't do to stay within the limits of our old selves. We, too, must shed them and leave them behind when the - as they inevitably will - no longer serve us.

Moreover, like a snake whose new skin takes time to harden, we find ourselves feeling uncertain and vulnerable until we become comfortable and confident in the new self. And then, the process starts over again, and again, in a continuous cycle of outgrowing.

If you feel like you're breaking, I hope you won't be afraid. Breaking creates the necessary space for things to become whole again. Wonder, instead, at who you will be next.