“The only way to understand change is to be involved in it, move with it, and join it.” ~Alan Watts
I used to think stability was the key to happiness. Staying in one place, building a career, cultivating long-term relationships—these are the pillars of a successful life, at least that’s what I think.
My life is a carefully built fortress of routine and familiarity. Wake up at 6am, commute to the same office I’ve worked at for ten years, return to the apartment I’ve lived in since college, rinse and repeat. Very safe. This is to be expected. It was slowly suffocating me.
As I approach my fortieth birthday, I find myself increasingly restless. The walls of my comfortable life felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. I scroll through social media and see friends and acquaintances starting new adventures, changing careers, moving to new cities, and I feel a twinge of jealousy and fear.
“I hope I can do this,” I thought, then quickly added, “But what if it all goes wrong?”
It was during a late-night rolling session that I came across a quote from Alan Watts that changed everything: “The only way to understand change is to be involved in it, to move with it, and to be part of it.”
I stared at these words and it felt like they were speaking directly to my soul. What if I stopped being afraid of change and instead embraced it?
I woke up the next morning with a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in years. I decided to make a change—not a small change, but a huge shift that would challenge everything I knew about myself and my life. I plan to quit my job, sell most of my possessions, and travel around the world for a year.
The moment I made this decision, I felt both excited and terrified. What about my career? My apartment? My relationships? These questions swirled in my mind, threatening me. But beneath the fear, there was a spark of excitement that I couldn’t ignore.
I gave myself six months to prepare. Those months were a whirlwind of planning, saving, and facing the reactions of friends and family. Some are supportive; Others thought I was having a midlife crisis.
My parents were particularly worried. “But what about your future?” they asked, sharing the same concerns I had when I transferred to college.
As the departure date approached, my anxiety grew. There were times when I seriously considered canceling the entire plan. What if I make a terrible mistake? What if I can’t handle uncertainty?
It was in these moments of doubt that I realized something important: the fear I was feeling wasn’t just about this trip. It was the same fear that kept me trapped in a life that no longer fulfilled me. If I give in now, I may never break free.
So, I pushed forward. I carried my backpack, held my one-way ticket, and boarded the plane with a heart full of fear and hope. The first few weeks were challenging. I felt lost, not just geographically but existentially. Who am I without my job title, my daily routine, and my familiar surroundings?
But slowly, magical things began to happen. As I visit new cities, try new foods, and meet people from all walks of life, I feel the layers of my old self peeling away. I discovered a resilience I never knew existed. Problems that would have left me stranded at home turned into adventures and challenges that needed to be solved. I learned to trust my instincts, find joy in the unexpected, and embrace the unknown.
Three months into my journey, a particularly transformative moment occurred. I was hiking in the mountains of Peru, struggling with altitude sickness and questioning my decision to attempt this hike.
As I sat on a rock, catching my breath and holding back tears, an old local woman passed by. She smiled at me and said something in Quechua that I didn’t understand. But her smile and gentle pat on my shoulder said it all.
At that moment, I realized that kindness and connection between people transcend language and culture. I also realized that I am stronger than I thought.
As the months passed, I noticed unexpected changes in myself. I became more open, more curious, and more willing to try new things. I learned to live with less and appreciate more. The constant movement and change becomes not only bearable, but exciting. As Alan Watts said, I am joining the dance of change.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There were days of loneliness, moments of doubt, and times of missing the comforts of the old life. I’ve learned that embracing change doesn’t mean you’ll never feel fear or uncertainty. It means you feel these things and move on.
As my travel year comes to a close, I face a new challenge: What next? The idea of going back to your old life feels impossible. I am no longer the same person I left a year ago. But the idea of continuing to travel indefinitely also felt wrong. I realized that I longed for a new kind of stability—one that was built on the flexibility and growth I’d developed while traveling.
I decided to move to a new city, one I fell in love with while traveling. I found a job that allowed me to use my old skills in new ways and had the flexibility to continue exploring the world. I made new friends who shared my love of adventure and personal growth. I created a life where I embraced change instead of fearing it.
Looking back on this journey, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. People who were once overwhelmed by the idea of change now see it as a source of growth and excitement. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned.
1. Fear is not a stop signal.
Fear is a natural part of change, but it doesn’t have to control you. Acknowledge it, understand it, but don’t let it make the decision for you.
2. Discomfort is where growth occurs.
The moments that challenge me most are also the moments that teach me the most about myself and the world.
3. Flexibility is power.
Being able to adapt to new situations is more valuable than trying to control everything around you, because often, the only thing you can control is how well you adapt.
4. Less is more.
Living out of a backpack for a year made me realize that I don’t actually need to be happy.
5. Change is continuous.
Rather than resisting change, learn to adapt to it and bring a sense of calm and excitement into your life.
6. It’s never too late.
At forty, I decided I was too old to fundamentally change my life. I was wrong. It’s never too late to start a new chapter.
If you find yourself stuck, longing for something more but afraid of making a change, I encourage you to take the first step.
It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as selling everything and traveling the world (although I highly recommend it if you can!). Start small. Take a different route to work. Try a new hobby. Talk to people you wouldn’t normally talk to. Every small change increases your adaptability and opens up new possibilities.
Embracing change doesn’t mean your life will always be easy, nor does it mean you’ll never face challenges. But it does mean that you will live life to the fullest, continue to grow, and experience the rich tapestry that life has to offer.
Your life is not a fixed path, but an evolving journey. Embrace change, learn from challenges, and celebrate growth. The world is big, life is short, and the greatest adventures often begin with a step into the unknown. So take this step. Join the dance of change. You might be surprised where it leads you.
About Anna
Anna is an author, speaker, and community leader helping women through menopause. She wants to change the way people think about this important moment in their lives. She believes applying knowledge, sharing experiences and adding a sense of humor can make difficult times easier. Anna invites women to accept menopause as a natural and empowering part of life. Laugh, learn, and grow with her as she works towards a world where menopause is talked about openly and positively.
