Why You’re Not a Phase—You’re Just Powerful in Progress
You might have heard someone say, “It’s just a phase,” when you shared a new style, a pronoun, a passion—or simply who you are. But that dismissive line isn’t the truth of your journey. You’re not a phase. You're powerful in progress.
The Myth of the “Phase” and How It Undermines Identity
During adolescence, identity exploration is a normal and vital part of psychological development. Erik Erikson called this the “identity versus role confusion” stage—when teens actively try on roles, values, and beliefs to figure out who they want to be :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Yet when your evolving identity is dismissed as “just a phase,” it invalidates this meaningful journey. It erodes the autonomy crucial for self‑discovery and communicates that your authentic self doesn’t matter.
Camouflaging: The Hidden Cost of Fitting In
Research shows that many young girls—especially neurodivergent ones—engage in camouflaging: putting on a mask to appear “normal” or socially acceptable. This often starts between ages 11–14 and correlates with increased anxiety and depression :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Camouflaging isn’t neutral—it costs emotional well‑being. It tells young women: “Change so you don’t stand out.” That’s not empowerment; that’s erasure.
You Are Not a Phase. You Are Becoming.
Your identity, style, sexual or gender expression—these are not arbitrary thrill rides. They’re expressions of self, building a coherent narrative of who you are and who you're evolving into. That’s the heart of growth.
Society’s Pressure—and You Fighting Back
A 2015 study by Always found that **72%** of girls feel society limits what they can be or do—and worry those limitations continue or worsen in the future :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Additionally, during puberty, around **52%** of girls experience a real drop in confidence :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
But dismissing you as a “phase” intensifies those pressures—it’s not a phase; it’s your power building. It’s your voice announcing: I belong. I matter.
Real Impact: Redefining “Like a Girl”
The **#LikeAGirl** campaign by Always shook things up by challenging the phrase “like a girl.” It flipped it—making it mean strong, smart, relentless—not weak or silly. The message? Being “like a girl” is a strength, not an insult :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Campaigns like this remind us that language can either uphold stereotypes or dismantle them. And “just a phase”? Language that diminishes your journey.
Your Path Isn’t a Trend. It's Progress.
You may navigate changes in identity, expression, or art. That’s not uncertainty—that’s courage. It’s how you integrate experience, conviction, and self‑understanding. Every step you take is progress, not performance.
What You Can Do—and What We Can Give You
- Name it. Reframe it. When someone says, “It’s just a phase,” affirm: “No—it’s my progress.” Calling it out reshapes the narrative.
- Find your circle. Surround yourself with peers, role models, or groups that reflect and respect your growth.
- Use affirmations. Write, “I’m worthy,” or “Today I am becoming me,” where you see them daily.
- Celebrate small wins. Every confident choice, shared truth, or act of self-expression matters.
- Be visible—not performative. Your authentic presence is permission for others to be themselves.
Conclusion: Powerful in Progress
You’re not fading. You’re affirming. Every evolving part of you is real, valid, and essential. You’re not a phase. You’re growing—powerful in progress.
Remember: your evolution isn't temporary. It’s transformative. You’re not a label or a trend—you’re becoming.