13. If you were meant to be anywhere else, you’d be there.

Usually when there’s a big decision to be made, I catch myself worrying. I’ll worry that I’m not in the right places or doing the things I should be doing. This worry of falling behind or getting things wrong creeps into my brain and whispers every kind of doubt, knowing I’ll hear it. And so, I have to remind myself – if I was meant to be anywhere else, I’d be there.

I’ve become change’s biggest advocate; we wouldn’t live if we didn’t change – we wouldn’t grow. That’s where these big decisions come into play. When deciding aspects of your future, it’s good to be prepared. I’ve always, always, had such an interest in mental health, and used to vividly imagine a career in psychology. I was adamant that I was going to become a clinical psychologist. It just made sense; I got involved with volunteering and studied the necessary subjects all through school.

Then, when choosing what uni to apply to, something changed. I had dedicated so much of my time and thought to this thing that I loved – this passion of mine – but that suddenly didn’t make sense anymore; suddenly, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than writing.

Becoming a psychologist was something I placed a lot of value on. It really solidified who I was and who I was going to be. In a way, the things that you love tend to define you. So, if that love shifts with time, you may feel somewhat lost or lacking without it. All I could ever say to this is: welcome that shift and allow change to happen, because pursuing writing was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Have faith in the choices you make, and live them out with everything you have. If it doesn’t work out or doesn’t go the way you planned, then you know that’s one less choice you have to make to reach your end goal, whatever that may be.

Things that previously cemented your identity, your likes and dislikes, interests and hobbies, are so prone to changing as you get older. It’s been said, time and time again: things have a funny way of working out. I only know this is true from experience. I am absolutely certain that everything that’s meant for you, waits for you – for when you’re ready – and if you’re not, it will wait some more.

By embracing a change of heart, whether it’s your own career path, what you’re choosing to study, your passions, I’m one to say: be open to it all changing – as you change into who you were always meant to be.

I have to remind myself – if I was meant to be anywhere else, I’d be there.