The most necessary, and consequently the most difficult step in self improvement, is having to dissect your past. As the laws of self-improvement state: In order to move on, and be that new better version of yourself, you must first lose the version you once were. That is why it is so important to allow yourself to grieve during the journey.

And while the media portrays self discovery as a positive thing- don't get me wrong, it certainly is. There is an aspect people don't talk about as much. 

Through self discovery we explore and divulge aspects of ourselves we never knew existed. But in doing so, in finding those facts– those pleasures, those pet peeves, those loves and hates, those boundaries, those feelings, those memories, is that what we discover becomes amplified. Prominent and imminent. 

This stage can sometimes be detrimental to our well being if done incorrectly, or when we are ill-equipped or unprepared for what we may find. 

The cost, is about a person embarking on this journey to self improvement and love, and finding her/him/them/self in the rubble of their past. Discovering their trauma, alone. 

- Avocado, 17