More recently in my life, I found myself in a difficult situation. I had to decide if I wanted to stay or if I wanted to start over. Like any normal person, the thought of starting over in uncharted territory may possibly be the most terrifying, intimidating thing I could think of. But sometimes, it is vital.

As I got older, I found myself changing. It was definitely not something I saw overnight but when I would sit down and reflect on the past couple of months, I realize I’m a different person now then I was back then. But as I grew older, so did the world around me. So did my values. My ambitions, my life goals and more importantly, what made me happy changed.

When I was younger, I had a lot more change constantly happening around me than an average child. So I was always used to change whether it was moving, changing schools, etc. But once I moved out and was on my own essentially, I made a promise to myself that this was it. I was going to find my niche and that is where I was going to be comfortable. However, things change.

As one of the most important things in my life took a 180, I knew that a big change was coming whether I liked it or not. I was absolutely (and honestly, still am) terrified at what was in store. I am not one to necessarily get out of my comfort zone, and to be thrown into that so quickly was earth shattering. Change is scary. But it is real, and it is necessary. But as scared as I was, I found myself being interested in new things I had never even considered. I no longer wanted to graduate with my degree, stay where I am and live an ordinarily simple life. I found myself already looking at career opportunities in places like New York, North Carolina and even Tennessee. Anything or anywhere I could go that would bring me new experiences, new food, new culture, whatever it may be. And now instead of running away from change, I’m seeking it. I want change, I want to be free and see new things, new places.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that if I knew the happiness and the ambition I now feel was inside of me, I would have made changes a long time ago. I know how scary change can be, especially when you’re blindsided but honestly, I just ran with it. Not always will there be an option to go with it or step aside but if there is, just go for it. I did and to be completely honest, I have never felt so hopeful for my future and the extraordinarily new places it will take me.

Like I said: Change is intimidating but it is real, and it is good.