In elementary school I first learned of molting: the shedding of a snake’s skin. Snakes must shed their skin to allow for further growth and to remove parasites that may have attached to their old skin. As a snake grows, its skin becomes stretched to the point where further growth is not possible. When that occurs, the old skin peels away, leaving behind a snake-shaped shell. Snakes shed their skin quite often. The average snake will shed its skin two to four times per year. This average varies with age and species — young snakes that are actively growing may shed their skin every two weeks.
Us humans also go through the process of molting, except instead of our skin, we shed our relationships. Looking back, I can see the remains of many relationships that I’ve outgrown in the past 18 years and I know that in the future, more will join the collection.
There’s no denying that it’s quite a sad moment when you realize that the same people you went to on the regular with your hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows are no longer even in your recent message history. It’s always a slow process. You know it’s the beginning of the end when talking with them is not the same. The vibe has changed and you can’t share your heart as you used to. Eventually you realize that the relationship, much like a snake, has shed it’s skin and moved on. You’re left holding the remains of what you can see was once a beautiful connection and know that what is done is done. There is no forcing shed skin back onto a snake because it no longer fits. It has served it’s purpose and it’s time to let it go.
Molting can be quite painful, uncomfortable and irritating for both the snakes and us but it’s a necessary part of life. A snake must shed it’s skin because it comes to a point where that skin is stifling its growth. In order to expand, it must leave it behind. The same can be said of people. They come, help us grow, and then leave.
Just as young snakes shed their skin the fastest due to their rapid growth, us teenagers do the same with our relationships. People come and go so fast in your youth that your friends completely change almost every year. Some friendships are particularly painful to part with but at the end of the day, it’s quite a normal and healthy part of growing up. You must let it go and slither on.
Each person taught us something while they were there and for that we must be grateful. I am not the same person I was at 14 and I owe that to those shed relationships. I know that at 22, I’m not going to be the same person I am now and again, it’ll be because I shed more relationships. But reflecting back, I’m truly grateful for each and every person I’ve encountered. I feel blessed that I got to a play a part in their growth and I wish them all the best as they continue their life journey without me. May they eventually journey home and may we meet again in a better place. Until then, you can catch me molting.❤
