Progression

Today I spoke with a friend. Like me, she is moving interstate for work.

For both of us, this move represents some of the biggest challenges we have faced in our lives so far.

It was interesting to see the progression from our younger years.

Back in year 8, our school did something called ‘Unley Week’. This was where our year group completed tasks in the nearby suburb of Unley.

The next year, Year 9, we did ‘City Week’. This was basically the same as Unley week except now it was in the city. We faced the daunting task of catching a public bus into the city for the first time.

In year 11, we both travelled to Germany as part of an exchange program. This was a very structured thing. We stayed with families and people that we both had met beforehand. Still, at the time, it was a very scary but rewarding experience.

In 2019, we both travelled overseas. I travelled to Sheffield in the UK to complete a University semester. This experience was one of the most daunting things I had done in my life. I was going overseas for about 6 months, not knowing anyone in my destination. Upon reflecting on my experience, it was one of the best things I ever did.

And now, the interstate move. We both don’t know many people where we are going. To make matters even more serious, we aren’t going on a holiday. We are going for real. Moving our entire lives to a new city with no prospect of return.

This is by far the most daunting thing I have done to date. However, if my past experiences are anything to go by, it will also be the most rewarding.

The key to the reward is getting out of your comfort zone. Embracing the unknown and charging forward. Gaining new experiences and perspective.

This is growth.

This is what makes life exciting.