The beauty of life is that it presents you with so many opportunities. Some are expected, some are spontaneous, but regardless all require you to make a decision. When an opportunity arises you have two choices, embrace the moment or seek refuge in your personal safety bubble. Much of my life I have chosen the latter leaving me filled with regret. I never studied abroad in college, I didn’t move to Texas for grad school, I turned down a job in New Orleans and I never volunteered to build houses in Honduras just to name a few. These were all amazing opportunities that I declined because of fear. Fear that I would not succeed, fear that I would be lonely and trapped in a situation that I could not get out of, fear that I would not meet the expectations of those around me.
Nearly a year ago today I made the decision that fear was no longer going to hold me hostage. I felt stuck and suffocated in my current life situation. I had a job I enjoyed but did not challenge me, all my friends were getting married and having children and most importantly I was living in regret of all the opportunities I had run away from. I knew the only way to get unstuck was to do something drastic. So, I did just that. I applied for a teaching job in Thailand, quit my job and sold my house. I am not going to say I am not filled with fear as I am packing my bags, but I finally feel at ease and comfortable with my decision. It only took me 32 years, but I am finally comfortable with who I am and what I am able to do. I have learned that I am capable of handling any situation that I may face in Thailand. I am finally going to step out of my safety bubble and embrace the moment. I am finally ready to live with no more regrets.