I drew this a while ago, but I've been putting off publishing it. I didn't want to be a downer, but then I thought, it's important to hold space for these things. There are things we survive and we grow stronger from them and that is something to be celebrated. But sometimes there are messed up narratives that form where it can feel like it's necessary to suffer to grow.

I hope this does an ok job of acknowledging the strength and value of Post Traumatic Growth (a very real thing), while also acknowledging that there are other ways to grow and we should focus on creating a growth oriented world that doesn't rely on or fetishize trauma quite so much.

It was one thing to draw it, but another thing to put this out in the world. The next few comics are a bit Boot feels-ey. But if you prefer more upbeat Bunson bubbly joy, never fear I have a whole series of him joyfully creating coming up afterwards.

There are Other Ways to Grow, Comic Transcript

A brown boot with round laces and curved leather is talking to us.

Boot: Facing death can change you.

Makes you grow in way you never imagined.

Lots of traumatic experiences are like that and there is no shame in surviving horrible stuff.

Boot sits in silence.

Boot: But I still wouldn't seek trauma.

Boot: There are other ways to grow.

Thanks to all my patrons and a special big extra thanks to Kate Webb, Erik Owomoyela and Sandra M. Odell.