I read something once that always stuck with me. It was something like, people don't really change but become more truly who they are. I find that to be true of myself, as I've aged and matured I've learned and evolved from my experiences. I always remain myself even though in many ways I wouldn't recognize who I was many moons ago. I think as we grow we settle into ourselves.
As far as my AV goes, I used to be afraid of IT. IT had licked me so many times and I'd allowed it to run my life like a tyrant. I don't fear IT anymore and I've accepted IT as a part of me, it just is, neither good nor bad. I recognize that voice easily and I don't engage or fight against IT.