A little while ago I met an old class mate of mine in a university cafeteria where we both study now. I haven’t seen her in years. As a teenager, we might have different perceptions of people and are quick to have opinions on mundane things. Meeting a part of your past self by chance is such an eye opener – it forces you to confront change. Whether you like it or not. But I say, change is beautiful, no matter what direction it goes in. And I even say, embrace it.
Why change is not always visible to us
For me, it was so good seeing her. Because I (next to having one of those big and super interesting life-update conversations) realized finally how far I’ve come. During our daily routines, we forget how much effort we might put into something, how much invest and how disciplined we are. And oftentimes, we don’t see no fruits that we could harvest. Only when we confront such situations we do see how much we can actually tell.
Personally, I learnt another language, I turned both salsa and flamenco into passionate hobbies of mine, I built a website and a blog, I lived in another country, I worked for two companies, I’m about to graduate and get a degree, I own a car now, I had a great love-adventure, I made friend in Lima and Guadalajara, far away countries on different continents, I live with two amazing girls in my own apartment, I found my style, cleared my skin and I finally embraced my curls. I can finally run 30 minutes without stopping, I got to know myself, I took care of myself when I needed it and have never felt more like myself than before. I can only try to explain how it felt to finally have that oh-moment. Oh, look how far you’ve come!
Don’t let change make you miss out on greatness
If I think about who I would be if I hadn’t applied for that semester abroad and hadn’t moved to this amazing city, that I can’t wait to move back to. The people I wouldn’t have met! If I think about who I would be, had I not stepped foot into that first dance class and then a second one, even though I might embarrass myself. So much joy I would not have experienced! If I think about what my life would be missing, had I not had the courage to publish my thoughts online, where everyone could see. I cannot imagine who I would be!
Why change is so great
And so, I think that at the same time, we might forget what the future still holds for us. We – or in this case, me – get anxious about what could happen or go wrong, where I could end up, what I would do if I didn’t find a job for example. But then, I realize, everything that didn’t happen, also made me who I am today. I am happy and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
This makes me want to conclude two things:
- Go do that thing that you always wanted to do. Speak to that person. Take that class. Travel this country. Apply for that job. Take that class. Be brave. You never know where a new experience could bring you, the people you could meet on the way, the opportunities you could come across, the life you could build for yourself. Don’t be afraid. Whatever it is, you’re still indecisive about could literally change your life. You never know. And in the end, life is too short to have to think “what would have happened, had I only taken that step, had I only not been so afraid”.
- Never ever underestimate the power of the moment. Your life could change any moment. Whether that’s by effort or by chance. Don’t ignore your potential and don’t downplay your own efforts you’re making. It’s normal to get disheartened from time to time but I find it so sad to know that sometimes, the greatest things could have awaited you, had you not given up so early. Take pride in what you do everyday, the little investments you make. It does matter what you eat, how much you move, read, connect, study, learn. Build a routine for yourself. But also don’t forget to once in a while step out of your comfort zone. That’s usually where the biggest treasure await you.
I hope this made you think about what you have already achieved and not given yourself any credit for. And I hope you will go that thing you have always wanted to do but were to scared to do it. It’s worth it, let me tell you!
Love, Valentina <3
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