Self Growth

Fresh Starts and New Beginnings

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude- Oprah Winfrey.

Let me share my journey as a twenty-something who grew up in Mumbai, India, and ventured solo to the United States at 18, living in three different states over the past decade.

Change has been a constant companion in my life. If anything that I am certain about in my future than it is change and to believe that it is an inevitable Constance in my life makes it feel less fearful. Since a young age I have been put in different environments constantly, for example I changed almost 5 schools from grade 1 to grade 10th which was not the case with most people my age as they went to one school since childhood in India till age 10th and then would change for college or high school. In my case I did not have a choice as that was mostly parents decision and they always wanted the best for me so I was made to change schools on the basis of referral from their friends and relatives. Being transferred to different environments and school culture, I was able to learn the skill of adaptation.

I did not know that later on in life this would play out so well for me. After moving to Boston, I was able to use and leverage the same skills to confidently approach change and connect with my new environment, build connections and settle in. Change is a form of growth which can happen as a result of negative or positive event in life but it can make space for tremendous growth inside you if you approach it the right way.

It's natural to fear towards change, but resisting it only makes the process harder. When I decided to move from India to the U.S, I encountered a barrage of unsolicited advice predicting challenges in living alone, making friends, handling daily chores, and studying. Despite these opinions, my family's support for me was intact and their attitude helped me stay positive and approach change with confidence. I maintained a positive attitude, ready to embrace the challenge for personal growth.

I learned to discard others' ideas about change and crafted my own through experience. My primary goal was education - earning a bachelor's and then a sustainable job and maybe pursue a higher education after that. Initially, living alone was dull, but exploring Boston by train, journaling about experiences, and maintaining a gratitude journal helped me adapt.

I sought on-campus jobs, initially struggling but eventually succeeding after honing my interview skills and seeking guidance from mentors and seniors. Juggling three part-time jobs, a heavy course load, and a social life, I immersed myself in my new life.

Here are some strategies that helped me navigate change:

Stepping out of comfort zone: I took solo train rides to build confidence, gradually exploring and learning about the new city.
Building connections: Active participation in university activities, becoming a student ambassador, and joining clubs helped me make new friends and expand my network.
Prioritizing self-care: Journaling, reflection, and expressing gratitude became essential for accepting change and enjoying the process.
Learning new skills: Cooking and hosting gatherings allowed me to explore new talents and connect with others.
Taking small steps: Incorporating yoga, setting daily intentions, and spending time near the bayside helped maintain a sense of routine.
Focusing on the positive: Maintaining a journal of positive experiences helped me stay focused on the good things in life, even on challenging days.

Change is inevitable, and its constant nature can either positively shape you or negatively impact your self-esteem. To reflect on your own journey, consider the changes you've experienced in the last five years and how you've dealt with them. Grab a journal and start your reflection with this prompt.