Navigating New Horizons With Courage

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When life throws you an opportunity... take it. I can tell you it's worth it.

I got thrown an experience and I never thought I would be where I am now.

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This blog will talk about my move to a new province in 2020 and my tips to embrace change.

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June 2018

I graduated high school and had to make the "typical" big decision of continuing my long twelve years of education into college or university OR gain work experience. After a lot of thought, my decision was to take the year off to work. Once my moms friend found out I wasn't going to post secondary school, she asked if I wanted to apply for a language assistant position. I didn't think about it at the time because I wasn't prepared to start a new experience. I had been working as a an early childhood educator and as a sales associate at Ikea. I enjoyed both jobs and taking a leap was too scary.

July 2019

The language assistant program renewed yearly and they were always looking for new applicants. This application period I was still working and my moms friend checked if I would be interested in applying. I decided I still wasn't ready to apply and continued to work full time as an ECE. At this point, I still wasn't ready for change.

June 2020

Noticing that I had not yet decided to go to post secondary school. My moms friend was determined and asked again. This time I quickly revamped my resume and decided to apply. Whether I got offered the job or not, I wanted to see the outcome as the right decision. I ended up getting an interview and they called me a few weeks later to offer me the position. I had no idea everything was going to change...

Summer 2020

Once I got offered the position, I knew it happened for a reason. Although, the job consisted of moving to another province for a year. I hadn't fully thought that out when I applied and I was still hesitant. When the pandemic hit, I got laid off at the daycare and most businesses were closed. Being at home for a few months, I told myself "what's holding me back?" and "why not take this amazing opportunity?". In August, I finally made a decision, not only to take the position but to move provinces. This decision was very difficult.

September 2020

With the new school year fast approaching. I had to quickly pack my bags, a few boxes and get on my way. My mom and I took a flight to Toronto. I didn't have a place to stay and it wasn't easy to find the right fit. My car was in transit AND I forgot my license at home.

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I can tell you it was not the smoothest of rides, but I stuck it out. There were ups and downs but I know I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't take the leap. Now I am able to share my perspective and experience on starting something new and I hope with this, you can also find your new journey, big or small.

Suggestions to begin your new adventure:

This adventure can be a new sport someone asked you to try with them. A new job opportunity your boss gave you. A travel possibility your friend presented you. An event that showed up on your Facebook, The list is endless.

1.Start small

You are comfortable in your schedule now. You keep asking yourself how. You like the activities you do on the daily. You've been offered a new opportunity but it sounds scary.

It's best to take this new opportunity one step at a time. If you rush into it and give yourself too big of a task, you might get overwhelmed.

2.Think positive

Your mind is flowing with all the "what if's" and the possibility of things going wrong. The thoughts of something new in your life causes you discomfort. This is where thinking on the bright side helps ease you into the changes. Your expectation of this situation can shift if you put your mind into it. Think of the long run. Will it bring you joy? Is this a new hobby that you'll love? Will this opportunity arise again? Will you realize this is not for you?

The last questions is an important one to remember because trying unfamiliar activities can bring you to a realization of dislike. Which is a positive recognition.

3.Answers to the unknown

You can only think of the negatives. Your mind is being swarmed with questions. There is information and parts that you don't know. It's best to ask the right questions to find out as much information as possible. These questions can be asked to the person leading this activity, to the one who asked you to join or to people in the area. After bringing up your concerns, there may still be unknowns and that's okay because it's difficult to know everything about this new opportunity. That's the beauty of the unknown.

4.Live in the moment

You are going back and fourth with this difficult decision. It's not easy. It could change a little or it could change a lot in your life. The main thought to have right now is no thought at all. You've gone through the small steps, you are thinking positively, you asked the right questions and now think of the present moment. Take this leap for yourself. It's worth it.

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"A ship is always safe at shore but that is not what it's built for." -Albert Einstein

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Goodluck!

Josée ™