Why life’s best experiences are worth stumbling for

Photo by Lāsma Artmane on Unsplash

I’ve been living in Warsaw, Poland, for a little over a week now. It still doesn’t feel real on most days. I find myself smiling and skipping at random points in the day when I’m walking down the street. I’ve bought fresh flowers and splurged on pastries and went on my first date in ages.

But on my first day here? I accidentally ordered an espresso because I forgot how to order coffee in Polish. I also didn’t know to bring my own bag to the grocery store, that cash is still a thing, and that jaywalking is a more severe crime than an open container.

I had no idea how to operate the washing machine—turning to my cousin for help—and have walked 38 minutes to a destination in the rain to avoid trying to figure out the metro station. At the same time, I’ve never felt more alive as I trip and skip and laugh at myself.

From getting lost to getting locked out of my Airbnb, I’ve stumbled quite a few times. But with any new experience out of your comfort zone, that’s to be expected. The key is how you react to the stumbling blocks that appear.

As far as I’m concerned, 2020 was one of the biggest hurdles of all. And remembering that you’ve made it through is key as you start reentering the world. Each day more seems possible. Each day more seems attainable. And each day, more opportunities unfold.

Chances are you’re feeling more hopeful. More confident. And more ready than ever to take on a new adventure. To do something new. To grow and to learn and to experience life once again.

Chances are you’re also feeling nervous about stepping back into the world or exploring a new part of it. You might feel hesitant or afraid or even doubtful that now is the time or that you can handle it. You may even feel a deep sense of indecision because there are so many choices after a year when there were so few.

Well, here’s what I want you to do.

I want you to forget what other people are doing on Instagram, forget your old bucket lists, and—just for a moment—forget the list of hesitations you’re reciting in your head. I want you to get quiet, take a deep breath (or three), and then ask yourself: what would make me feel the most alive?

And let the answers come to you. They may not immediately, but don’t get discouraged too fast by looking for the next distraction. Give yourself the space and time to really think about what would make you want to let down your hair and let down your guard. What would make you want to dance in the streets and smile out loud?

Think about it. Write it down. Or tell someone you love who you want to hold you accountable. And then choose to make it happen.

Know that you may stumble. You may get lost. You may not know the language as well as you thought, and you may have a bad date (or two). You may spend more money than expected, and a plan may even get canceled.

There will be stumbling blocks, but none of them are something you can’t conquer. None of them are something you can’t cross. Because you’ve made it here, through a wild and turbulent year, and now is your moment to be alive. To feel alive. To sing to the sky and fall in love and be who you truly are.

Claim your adventure, and then take one step toward making it real. And every time a doubt pops up in your mind, remind yourself: if I can make it through 2020, I can make it through anything.

The time is now to take hold of life because we know that it is too short to play small, not take risks, and not trust ourselves to BE ourselves. You can do this. You deserve this. And you’re ready, I promise.

Happy stumbling!

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