“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” Nelson Mandela
Packing up my life in Melbourne and moving to London has by far been the biggest risk that I have ever taken. It’s not easy to say goodbye to friends, family, a stable job, financial stability, your lifestyle and the familiarity of home, yet so many of us who do it each year know that it’s a risk worth taking for the amazing adventures and priceless life experiences that await us on the other side.
I’ve very recently decided to take a few massive risks in my life that will be playing out over the next couple of months and I won’t lie, I’m pretty nervous, excited and petrified all at the same time and these feelings take me back to 2 years ago when I first moved to the other side of the world. Making the decision to take a huge leap of faith into the unknown is one of the scariest things we can do as it tends to go against all our natural human instincts of building a secure life.
So why do we do it? For the nervous excitement of unknown adventure that lies ahead. The adrenalin of building a new life from scratch any way you want it. The intoxicating speculation that comes with not having a clue about what you’re life is going to entail 6 months from now. Diving into the unknown is scary as hell, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things in life and it will definitely be something that you can only grow from.
“Take risks. If you win, you will be happy; If you lose, you will be wise”
The best things in life happen when we step outside our comfort zone and I encourage everyone to step outside of theirs every once in while, whether it be to shake things up and reawaken your passion for life or to learn something new about yourself and the world around you. Don’t be scared to fail, be scared to never try!
I will keep you all posted on how my risk-taking turns out, whether it be a little motivational storytelling session or a ‘live and learn’ lecture. I’m working hard towards the former but even if I fail, I know I’ll be better off for just trying in the first place rather than living with regret and always thinking ‘what if?’. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 27 years it’s that we shouldn’t be scared to take a risk, make a change and follow our hearts, we need to embrace it to truly live a life with no regrets.
Wish me luck on my mission and I wish you all luck on your journeys too!
When was the last time that you stepped out of your comfort zone and how did it turn out? I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts.
LNG x
Omg. So inspiring. Thank you so much.
🙂 x
Hi LNG,
I absolutely love reading your blog! Some of your articles are so inspirational. I am moving to London in February, I am nervous but also very excited. It is going to be freezing!! Did it take you a while to get used to the cold weather? Have you got any tips on what I should pack? X
Hi Kylie,
So happy you like the blog 🙂
Ahh, the cold Feb weather, it takes a little getting used to but it’s a nice novelty to begin with haha. I’d pack just one of the warmest things you own to wear on your first few days – e.g. shoes, coat, scarf & and beanie, then go shopping & replace them with a proper warm versions when you arrive! (Your warmest Aussie stuff will still be too light for European winters).
Hope that helps a little x
I’m heading to London in mid-March… so still a little while away but plenty to do between now and then!
I will keep an eye on the site to see if there are upcoming meet ups. Sounds like you’re very busy which is great 🙂
Hi LNG
Love your website/blog. I have set a date and I am making it happen (although nervous, excited and petrified too)!
I remember reading somewhere on your site that you organised a catch up for the expats who read your blog. Hope that it went well and there are some organised for 2015.
Merry Christmas 🙂
Hey Laura,
Awesome news, when are you moving?
Yep, we had a catch up in September, it went really well and lots of the girls are still in touch. I’ve been meaning to organise another one but life has been quite hectic lately! Will definitely set up another one in the new year though.
Merry Christmas to you too x
Your Blog is seriously inspiring and giving me the courage to go!
i’ve been saying i will do it for the past year now, but always hesitating.
After reading your experience I think I am ready to take that leap of faith haha
Amazing, thank you!
I was hesitating beforehand too, but all it took was setting a date and making it happen, no excuses.
Good luck and keep me updated with how it goes 🙂
Such a great post! My partner and I took a risk opening a chiropractic practice in a small town here in NZ and it’s been a challenge but super rewarding!! We’re passing on the reigns to 2 others next year and are moving to London which will be another exciting challenge! Life’s too short and it’s how we grow 🙂 good luck for all your risks ahead! Believe and you will achieve 🙂
Thanks Siobhan! That sounds like you have a huge and exciting change ahead – good luck with your new adventure! You’re right, life’s too short 🙂 Keep in touch with how the move & planning is going x