Are you happy with your life? Do you love the things you do, the people you associate with? If so, great! Continue on your path. If not, now is the time for change.
I’m a college student studying journalism. Society would say I’m living the best years of my life. However, that is far from the way I see it. In fact, during my first two years at uni, I felt quite unfulfilled. Sure, I had a few close friends, but I otherwise found myself surrounded by people I didn’t completely resonate with, feeling extremely stressed and fatigued each day, and spending my energy studying a subject I felt minimal passion for. As my third year was approaching, I dreaded the new school year. Other than the Reiki course I was excited to take, I was not looking forward to repeating the mundane routines I had established over the previous two years.
One day, during the first week of the new school year, I suddenly made the decision to jump out of my comfort zone and try something I could never have imagined myself doing: I joined the robotics team. Science and math have never been my strengths, however, knowing I had friends who were planning to join the team, I decided to give it a shot. Although I had never imagined I would thrive in any type of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activity, I actually found myself enjoying it. To top things off, interacting with team members felt natural. I had finally found a place where I felt my presence was embraced. I also realized it is absolutely okay–and perhaps a great thing–to get involved in something you may not have considered yourself to be good at. As humans, we are constantly growing and evolving. It’s natural to discover new interests, and when you do, allow yourself to learn, grow, and develop a new identity for yourself. Who knows, maybe your newly discovered activity might just become another one of your life’s greatest passions.
The rest of the semester went surprisingly well. As I studied Reiki, my interest for integrative healthcare continued to grow, and I was no longer worried about judgment when I told others about my plans to pursue a Master’s degree in health coaching. I used to dread the question “what do you plan to do after you graduate?” for fear of criticism regarding my desire to take an atypical route post-graduation and make a career switch. But now, I am proud to answer that question with complete honesty.
I’m sure I’m not the only one to have felt this way. What’s something you’ve always been interested in, but never have done? Whether you think it’s beyond your strengths, or simply something society doesn’t match with your personality, I invite you to give it a shot. Try it despite what you imagine others might think or say! Have no shame in doing so either. Let the people around you know about your newly discovered passion! No need to worry about whether you’ll become good at it–regardless, you’ll learn something new, and gain insight into another perspective. Life’s too short to stay stuck in the same mindset, doing the same things each day. Allow yourself to evolve, and explore the many wonderful things life has to offer.
What part of your identity do you need to let go of, to allow new experiences to come into your life?
Author Bio: Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a rising university senior, with plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Health Coaching. I am passionate about various aspects of alternative healing, specifically Reiki, acupressure, and traditional eastern medicine. I am also a tarot reader, and I love being able to help others find clarity and guidance throughout life.