When Others Around You Don't Understand The Change

[livelifenow]

Hello-

I was wondering if anyone has any insight for me. I began a journey of growth about a 1-2 years ago, and I feel that I've made a lot of progress in terms of my inner and outer health, and changing a lot of my self-destructive behavior and bad psychology. I suffered chronic depression and anxiety (which is much improved), health issues (also almost completely resolved) and was just frankly in a terrible place...for a very long time. I feel that with the help of resources like Leo and others, I have come so far, so fast. But sometimes I struggle with this, particularly as it pertains to relationships. I find that sometimes I have a hard time connecting to others because I have this sense- and not in a judgmental or negative way!- that when with my friends, family, and acquaintances, that I've lost some of what used to connect us.

Sometimes I feel the things they think about, the things they consider important, their worries and goals (or sometimes lack thereof) seem so... unimportant to me. I can see how I used to live and think the same way, but no longer do. And yet, you cannot reach out and change that in someone until they are ready to do so themselves. A couple of examples, because I don't know if I'm explaining this right: Friends- some of our friends, while great people, are in to "things"- they work, they buy expensive toys, they play with expensive toys. It seems to shallow to me- not that they are shallow, I love them! But that their interests are shallow. Another example is with my husband- when I was in my worst state, he always seemed to calm, stable, and like he had it all together. But I feel like that was only relative to MY state at the time. That now I am doing better and growing more conscious, I see that he isn't driven, has no life goals, and is actually quite apathetic....(that sounds terrible, but he has other strengths ) I know others must have run into something similar to this...? But how do you cope when you change, and the others around you are staying the same? I love my family and friends, and I wouldn't necessarily say they are "toxic"- it's not like they need to be gotten rid of. I also do NOT want to start looking down on anyone and being egotistical about it all. But how do I maintain my growth (or even increase it) while also continuing to be able to connect with others who do not share that goal or that level of awareness?? Any thoughts or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks 

[ArabiaNytes]

I can understand and relate to what you feel your state to be, but I am in the same boat with regards to this question. Perhaps it's simpler than it seems. Hold on to the people you love but don't expect them to sail the wide open with you. The disconnect is strange and all so powerful; it's more than just changing interests or moving away, (in this case, moving away figuratively). It's a completely different state of mind.